Fan assembly for displaying an image

ABSTRACT

Apparatus and methods for displaying an image by a rotating structure are provided. The rotating structure can comprise blades of a fan. The fan can be a cooling fan for an electronics device such as an augmented reality display. In some embodiments, the rotating structure comprises light sources that emit light to generate the image. The light sources can comprises light-field emitters. In other embodiments, the rotating structure is illuminated by an external (e.g., non-rotating) light source.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e)to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/538,518 filed Jul. 28,2017, entitled “FAN ASSEMBLY FOR DISPLAYING AN IMAGE”, the disclosure ofwhich is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to apparatus and methods for displayingan image by projecting or reflecting light from rotating elements suchas blades of a fan.

BACKGROUND

Light from natural objects, when it encounters the human eye, has aparticular content in terms of rays of light, with magnitude anddirection, at each point in space. This structure is known as a lightfield. Conventional two-dimensional (2-D) displays (paintings,photographs, computer monitors, televisions, etc.) emit lightisotropically (e.g., light is uniformly emitted from the display). As aresult, these 2-D displays may only approximate the light field of theobjects they represent.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, it is desirable to build displays that reproduce, orattempt to reproduce, the exact or approximate light that would becreated by a natural object (for example, a light field or otherrepresentation). Such displays create a more compelling image that maycomprise two-dimensional (2-D) or appear to be three-dimensional (3-D)and may be capable of being mistaken for a natural object. These featsmay be unachievable by traditional 2-D displays. Further, imagesgenerated from light sources on rotating objects (such as fan blades ofa fan assembly) or from light reflected from such rotating objects cangenerate colored displays, images, notifications, etc. Such fanassemblies are often a component used to cool electronic devices (e.g.,computers, augmented reality displays) and can be used to project suchimages to a user of such devices.

In some embodiments, a fan assembly and methods for displaying arepresentation of an image are disclosed. In one implementation, the fanassembly may include multiple fan blades; a motor configured to rotatethe multiple fan blades to induce an airflow; multiple light sourcesdisposed on at least one of the multiple fan blades; a non-transitorymemory configured to store image data to be displayed by the fanassembly, the image data providing one or more views of the image at aviewing direction; and a processor operably coupled to thenon-transitory memory, the motor, and the multiple light sources. Theprocessor may be programmed with executable instructions to drive themotor to rotate the multiple fan blades about a rotation axis, themultiple fan blades positioned at a rotation angle as a function oftime; access the image data; map the image data to each of the multiplelight sources based at least in part on the rotation angle; andilluminate the plurality of light sources based at least in part on themapped image data.

In some embodiments, a fan assembly and methods for displaying arepresentation of an image are disclosed. In one implementation, themethod may include driving a motor to rotate multiple fan blades thatcomprises multiple light sources about a rotation axis, the multiple fanblades positioned at a rotation angle as a function of time. The methodmay also include accessing image data to be displayed, the image dataproviding one or more views of the image at a viewing direction; mappingthe image data to each of the multiple light sources based at least inpart on the rotation angle; and illuminating the multiple light sourcesbased at least in part on the mapped image data.

In some embodiments, a display apparatus and methods for displaying arepresentation of an image are disclosed. In one implementation, thedisplay apparatus comprises a rotatable structure; a motor configured torotate the rotatable structure; multiple light sources positionedrelative to the rotatable structure so as to direct light toward therotatable structure; a non-transitory memory configured to store imagedata to be displayed by the display apparatus, the image data providingone or more views of the image at a viewing direction; and a processoroperably coupled to the non-transitory memory, the motor, and themultiple light sources. The processor may be programmed with executableinstructions to drive the motor to rotate the rotatable structure abouta rotation axis, the rotatable structure positioned at a rotation angleas a function of time; access the image data; map the image data to eachof the multiple light sources based at least in part on the rotationangle; and illuminate the multiple light sources based at least in parton the mapped image data.

In some embodiments, a fan assembly and methods for displaying arepresentation of an image are disclosed. In one implementation, themethod may include driving a motor to rotate a rotatable structure abouta rotation axis, the rotatable structure positioned at a rotation angleas a function of time. The method may also include accessing image datato be displayed by the display apparatus, the image data providing oneor more views of the image at a viewing direction; mapping the imagedata to each of multiple light sources based at least in part on therotation angle, the multiple light sources positioned relative to therotatable structure so as to direct light toward the rotatablestructure; and illuminating the multiple light sources based at least inpart on the mapped image data.

Details of one or more implementations of the subject matter describedin this specification are set forth in the accompanying drawings and thedescription below. Other features, aspects, and advantages will becomeapparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims. Neitherthis summary nor the following detailed description purports to defineor limit the scope of the inventive subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an example display apparatus.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective (FIG. 2A) and top (FIG. 2B) views thatschematically illustrate an example of a light field sub-display foroutputting light field image information.

FIGS. 3A-3C are cross-section side views schematically depicting aportion of embodiments of light field sub-displays of FIGS. 2A and 2B.

FIGS. 4A and 4B schematically illustrate an example of a waveguide stackfor outputting light field image information to a user.

FIG. 4C schematically illustrates an example augmented reality displaydevice and belt-pack, which may include a battery and an illuminated fanassembly.

FIGS. 5A-5G schematically illustrate various examples of the displayapparatus.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are perspective views that schematically illustrate anexample display apparatus that is displaying a 3-D representation of animage (a dog, in this example) viewed by multiple observers.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view that schematically illustrates anotherexample display apparatus that is displaying a 3-D representation of animage viewed by multiple observers.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view that schematically illustrates anotherexample display apparatus that is displaying a 3-D representation of animage viewed by an observer.

FIGS. 8B and 8C schematically illustrate a plane and side views of anexample fan assembly.

FIGS. 9A-9D schematically illustrate various examples of another displayapparatus.

FIG. 10 schematically illustrates a display apparatus comprisingtwo-dimensional array of light source.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view that schematically illustrates anotherexample display apparatus.

FIGS. 12A-12C schematically illustrate various examples of the displayapparatus.

FIGS. 13A and 13B schematically illustrate examples of the displayapparatus.

FIG. 14 is a process flow diagram of an example of a method ofdisplaying a representation of an object using a display apparatus.

FIG. 15 is a process flow diagram of an example of a method of mappingimage data to light sources of a display apparatus.

FIG. 16 is a process flow diagram of an example of a method ofilluminating light sources of a display apparatus.

FIG. 17 schematically illustrates an example display apparatus fordisplaying images using a display apparatus comprising a fan assembly.

FIG. 18 is a process flow diagram of an example method of displaying animage using a display apparatus comprising a fan assembly.

Throughout the drawings, reference numbers may be re-used to indicatecorrespondence between referenced elements. The drawings are provided toillustrate example embodiments described herein and are not intended tolimit the scope of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Overview

Many types of light field displays at this time are costly and thereforenot suitable for many applications (e.g. commercial advertising, viewingin a home, etc.). Current implementations of light field displays, forexample a flat panel display, utilize numerous pixels and waveguides tomimic a 3-D representation of an object. At any single point in time,such representation requires several images to be displayed, each imagerendering a different direction of viewing the object as well as varyingfocal depths such that the object appears to be three-dimensional. Forexample, multiple 2-D representations may be displayed eachcorresponding to a different direction of viewing the object. In someimplementations, utilizing a flat display panel may provide anincreasingly limited field of view of the 3-D representation forobservers who are positioned at increasingly greater angles from normalto the flat display panel. The present disclosure describes examples ofdisplays that are not prohibitively expensive, due to implementing lightsource technology (e.g., a light field sub-display technology in someembodiments) capable of displaying multiple viewing angles or focaldepths at any single instance and can be controlled to switch betweenmultiple different views of the object being displayed in a 2-D orthree-dimensional representation. The present disclosure describes someexamples that may be configured to provide greater fields of view of theobject being displayed in a representation. Such displays may be usedfor indoor or outdoor display applications such as advertising, homeviewing, interior or exterior decorating, the arts, and so forth. Forexample, a store front or other business may wish to attract customersby displaying objects in three-dimensions opposed to conventionaltwo-dimensional displays. A three-dimensional representation may be moreeye-catching to a passer-by or more likely to be noticed, opposed to aflat two-dimensional representation. Examples of apparatus and methodsfor 2-D or 3-D display of images from rotating elements as well ascurved displays are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/410,455, filed Jan. 19, 2017, titled “Display for Three-DimensionalImage,” which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in itsentirety.

The present disclosure describes examples of a display apparatuscomprising a rotatable structure (for example, a propeller, a collectionof fan blades, an impeller, or other device configured to be rotatedabout a rotation axis) that combines with a number of light sources, inwhich the individual light sources are strobed with different imagesdepending on the current rotation state of the rotatable structure andthe overall image to be projected by the display. The rate of strobing(e.g., switching the content displayed) may be at a frequency that isunperceivable to the eyes of a person viewing the object. The rate ofstrobing may also correspond to a refresh rate of the image displayed,for example, an increase in the strobing rate may correspond to anincrease in the refresh rate thereby producing better quality image. Therotating motion of the rotatable structure causes the light sources tosweep out a particular area and, as a result, a lower costimplementation of a display providing an image to an observer ispossible.

Example Display Apparatus

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a display apparatus 100 configured todisplay an image observable as a 3-D representation of an object. Thedisplay apparatus 100 includes a rotatable structure 105, a motor 104,and a control system 110. The rotatable structure 105 may be coupled tothe motor 104 configured to drive the rotatable structure 105 about arotation axis 120 along a path 103 based on inputs from a local dataprocessing module of the control system 110. The control system 110 maybe operatively coupled to the display apparatus 100 which may be mountedin a variety of configurations, such as fixedly attached to the displayapparatus 100 or located elsewhere in relation to the display apparatus100 (e.g., in a separate part of a room or central control room). Therotatable structure 105 may include an array of light sources 101disposed along one or more elongated elements 102. The light sources 101may be controlled by the control system 110 to generate and display the3-D representation of the object. The light sources 101 may compriseliquid crystals (LC), light emitting diodes (LEDs), organic LEDs(OLEDs), or any other type of pixel structure configured to emit lightfor rendering an image. Other light sources may include lasers, fiberoptics, or any structure configured to emit light that may bemanipulated to render an image. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1,the light sources 101 may comprise light field sub-displays, forexample, as described below in connection to FIGS. 2A-3C. As such, thelight sources 101 may be referred to as light field sub-displays 101.However, such reference is for illustrative purposes only and is not alimitation. The light sources 101 may include lenses, waveguides,diffractive or reflective elements, baffles, or other optical elementsto guide, direct, or focus light from the light sources toward or ontothe rotatable structure.

In some implementations, movement of the rotatable structure 105 causesthe light field sub-displays 101 to move about path 103, which, whendriven by the control system 110 to illuminate the light fieldsub-displays 101, displays an image that is observable by a bystander asa 3-D representation of the object to be displayed. For example, thedisplay apparatus 100 may be placed in a store front or viewable areawhere a person, located at a viewable distance from the displayapparatus 100, is able to view the image displayed by the displayapparatus 100 by looking toward the rotatable structure 105. In someembodiments, an extended 3-D representation of the object is created asthe light field sub-displays 101 are rotated about the path 103 due torotational movement imparted onto the rotatable structure 105 by themotor 104. In some embodiments, the multiple light field sub-displays101 may each comprise one or more pixels, as described below, which canbe illuminated according to light field image data stored in the digitalmemory 112 (e.g., non-transitory data storage) to display a 3-Drepresentation of the object. In some embodiments, a speaker 118 may becoupled to the display apparatus 100 for providing audio output.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the rotatable structure 105 may be arrangedsimilar to a propeller that rotates about the axis 120. As illustratedin FIG. 1, a rotatable structure 105 having a propeller arrangement mayinclude multiple elongated elements 102. The elongated elements 102 mayalso be configured as a plurality of arms or blades of the propeller.While the display apparatus 100 in connection with FIG. 1 is shownhaving 4 elongated elements 102, the number, arrangement, length, width,or shape of the elongated elements 102 can be different (see, e.g.,FIGS. 5A-5G). For example, the number of elongated elements 102 can be1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or more (e.g., as illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B). Theelongated elements 102 can be straight (e.g., FIGS. 1, 5A, and 5B),curved as illustrated in FIG. 5C, or curved in or out of the plane thatis perpendicular to the rotation axis 120 of the propeller (e.g., FIG.7). As will be described below, in some embodiments the rotatablestructure 105 may be arranged as a collection of fan blades or animpeller that rotates about the axis 120 as part of a fan assembly(e.g., FIGS. 8-13B).

With continued reference to FIG. 1, each elongated element 102 includesan array of light field sub-displays 101 disposed along the length ofthe elongated element 102. Although, FIG. 1 shows five light fieldsub-displays 101 disposed on each elongated element 102 (and anadditional optional sub-display at the center of the display, where theelongated elements cross), other embodiments are possible. For example,the number of light field sub-displays 101 can be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, ormore on each elongated element 102. In another embodiment, the rotatablestructure may comprise a single light-field sub-display disposedthereon. The light field sub-displays 101 may comprise any displayconfigured to produce a light field. In some embodiments, the lightfield sub-displays 101 may comprise one or more pixels configured toemit anisotropic light (e.g., directionally emitted). For example, aswill be described in more detail in connection with FIGS. 2A-3C, thelight field sub-displays 101 may comprise a micro-lens array disposedadjacent to a pixel array that emits light isotropically toward themicro-lens array. The micro-lens array redirects the light from thepixel array into an array of beams that propagate at different outgoingangles to generate a light field image. In some embodiments, eachmicro-lens of the micro-lens array may be configured as a pixel of thelight field sub-display 101. In another embodiment, the light fieldsub-displays 101 may include a waveguide stack assembly that produces alight field, as described below in connection with FIGS. 4A and 4B.

The display apparatus also includes a motor 104 electrically coupled toand configured to drive the rotatable structure 105. For example, themotor 104 may cause the rotatable structure 105 to rotate about therotation axis 120 in a circular motion as illustrated by the rotationpath 103. When the rotatable structure 105 is driven by the motor 104,the light field sub-displays 101 are similarly rotated about therotation path 103. The control system 110 may be configured to controlthe rotation rate applied by the motor 104 to the rotatable structure105 at a desired frequency. The frequency of rotation may be selectedsuch that the rotatable structure 102 may not be perceivable to theviewer, who instead perceives primarily the 3-D image due to thepersistence of vision of the human visual system. Such displays aresometimes generally referred to as persistence of vision (POV) displays.Other rotation frequencies are possible. The combination of the rotatinglight field sub-displays 101 and the illumination of each light fieldsub-display 101 projects a representation of an image that can be viewedby observers. The image can include objects, graphics, text, and soforth. The image may be part of a series of image frames that project anobject or thing that appears to be moving or changing, as in a video.The representation may appear to be 3-D and might be mistaken by theobservers to be a natural object rather than a projection. The motor 104and the control system 110 can be disposed so that they are not apparentto a viewer (e.g., below the propeller and connected to it via suitablegearing). The control system 110 may be coupled to the motor 104 via awired or wireless communication link 150. Because the arms of thepropeller are not visible (when the propeller is rotated sufficientlyquickly), the image may appear to hover in mid-air and thereby attractattention from passers-by. Accordingly, the display apparatus 100 canadvantageously be used in advertising, marketing, or sales, forpresentations, or to otherwise generate interest or convey informationto viewers.

The local data processing module of computerized control system 110 maycomprise a hardware processor 112 and a digital memory 114. In someembodiments, the digital memory 114 may comprise non-volatile memory(e.g., flash memory) or any non-transitory computer readable media. Thedigital memory 114 may be configured to store data defining instructionsfor the hardware processor 112. These instructions configure thehardware processor 112 to perform functions of the display apparatus100. For example, the hardware processor 112 and the digital memory 114may both be utilized to assist in the processing, caching, and storageof light field data. The data may include data related to a) a lightfield image of the object to be displayed, b) the light fieldsub-display positions as a function of time, or c) a mapping of thelight field image to the light field sub-display positions. In someembodiments, the light field image comprises multiple rendered frames ofthe object where each rendered frame is a 2-D representation of theobject at a viewing direction (e.g., a direction that an observer may berelative to the display apparatus 100). Each rendered frame may comprisemultiple pixels, referred to hereinafter as rendered pixels, which arecombined to represent the image of the object to be displayed. Eachrendered pixel may be associated with a position on a rendered frame(e.g., a rendered pixel position). The multiple rendered frames and therendered pixel positions may be stored in the digital memory 114 foraccess and use by the control system 110. The light field image mayinclude imaging parameters (e.g., color and intensity of light todisplay the rendered frame), where the imaging parameters are associatedwith the viewing direction of the rendered frame. In some embodiments,the light field sub-display positions are defined by positions of thelight field sub-display 101 along the elongated elements 102 as afunction of time and rotation angle based on the rotation rate of therotatable structure 105. The light field sub-display positions may alsoinclude the positions of the components (e.g., micro-lenses describedbelow) of each light field sub-display as a function of time.

The control system 110 may be coupled via wired or wirelesscommunication lines (not shown) to the plurality of light fieldsub-displays 101. The communication lines may be configured to transmitsignals from the control system 110 to the light field sub-displays 101for rendering the image as described above. In some embodiments, therotatable structure 105 or elongated elements 102 may comprise aplurality of cavities or pathways arranged to accept wiredcommunications lines between each of the light field sub-displays 101and the control system 110.

In some embodiments, the hardware processor 112 may be operativelycoupled to the digital memory 114 and configured to analyze and processthe data in the digital memory 114. The hardware processor 112 may alsobe operatively coupled to the motor 104 and configured to drive themotor 104 at a rate of rotation. In some embodiments, the rate ofrotation may be preselected based on the light field image, the numberof light field sub-displays 101, or the number of elongated elements102. The hardware processor 112 may also be operably coupled to eachlight field sub-display 101 and configured to drive each light fieldsub-display 101 (e.g., the pixels of each light field sub-display 101 asdescribed below) based on the light field image stored in the digitalmemory 114. For example, while the rotatable structure 105 is rotatedbased on instructions executed by the hardware processor 112, therotation is imparted on to the light field sub-displays 101 causing themto sweep out a series of concentric circular arcs along the rotationpath 103 about the rotation axis 120. The hardware processor 112 mayalso drive each light field sub-display 101 (e.g., the pixels describedbelow) to emit light as the light field sub-displays 101 (or the pixelstherein) reach a position associated with a rendered pixel position andimage parameters stored in the digital memory 112. The rotation rate ofthe rotatable structure 105 can be sufficiently high so that an observerdoes not perceive the elongated elements 102 of the rotatable structure105 as they rotate (e.g., the rotatable structure 105 in effect appearstransparent) and instead sees the illumination from the light fieldsub-displays 101 thereby displaying a 3-D representation of the object.

One possible manner in which displaying a 3-D representation of anobject can be accomplished is that a multiplicity of points of view maybe rendered in advance by the control system 110 or another renderingengine. For any given orientation (e.g., rotation angle) of therotatable structure 105, a mapping may be generated or retrieved thatmaps a position (z) of a pixel of the light field sub-display 101 at atime (t) (e.g., based on the rotation of the rotatable structure 105) toa rendered pixel (u) of a rendered frame (k). This mapping may beaccomplished by the processor 112, which may include a microprocessor ormicrocontroller, a graphics processing unit (GPU), or special purposehardware (e.g., a floating point gate array (FPGA) or an applicationspecific integrated circuit (ASIC)).

In one embodiment, the control system 110 can be configured to map therendered pixels of the rendered frame. For example, the rendered frame kcan be associated with a viewing direction of the object to be displayedand the rendered pixel (u) can have a position (e.g., represented bycoordinates, for example, an X and a Y coordinate or a positionalcoordinate) within the rendered frame (k). This mapping may be constantand independent of the object to be displayed and thus may bepre-computed and stored (e.g., in the digital memory 114) in a datastructure (e.g., in a lookup table (LUT)).

In one embodiment, the control system 110 may also be configured to mapthe rendered pixel positions to positions of the light fieldsub-displays 101. For example, each pixel of the light fieldsub-displays 101 can be located at a different position at differenttimes based on the rate of rotation of rotatable structure 105. Therotation rate may, but need not, be constant in time. In addition,because the light field sub-displays 101 are rotated with time, therendered pixel position for the light emitted by a pixel of a lightfield sub-display 101 may be translated for this overall rotation.Accordingly, each rendered pixel position (u) of the rendered frame (k)can be associated with a given position of a pixel of the light fieldsub-display 101 based on the position (z) of the pixel along theelongated element 102 as a function of time (t) as the pixel sweeps outalong the path 103. Thus, the corresponding rendered pixels of eachrendered frame can be collected together and mapped to the pixels of thelight field sub-displays 101. The mapping is configured such that therendered pixel positions are translated to pixels of the light fieldsub-display 101 so that light emitted from the light field sub-displays101 is anisotropically directed based on the viewing direction of therendered frame. This may also be pre-computed and stored (e.g., in thedigital memory 114) in a data structure (e.g., in a lookup table (LUT))that may comprise the same data structure as described above or adifferent data structure. In some embodiments, the pixels of light fieldsub-display 101 may be strobed (e.g., alternated or switched betweendifferent rendered frames of the light field image) based on the mappedtranslated image parameters of the rendered frame as the rotatablestructure 105 rotates.

In some embodiments, since some light field sub-displays 101 are fartherfrom the rotation axis 120, some light field sub-displays 101 sweep outlarger circular areas as compared with light field sub-displays 101 thatare closer to or on the rotation axis 120. In some instances, theapparent intensity of light, as viewed by the observer of a displayedobject, from the light field sub-displays 101 away from the rotationaxis 120 may tend to be lower than the intensity of light emitted fromlight field sub-displays 101 that are closer to the rotation axis 120,because the amount of illumination per area decreases for light fieldsub-displays 101 farther from the rotation axis 120. Thus, in someimplementations, to keep the apparent intensity of the image across therotatable structure 105 relatively constant, the brightness of theillumination, the duration of the strobe, or both, can be scaledlinearly with the radius for a particular light field sub-display 101based on the distance from the rotation axis 120. In otherimplementations, the light field sub-displays 101 at larger radii haveincreased size, increased number of pixels, or both (compared to thelight field sub-displays 101 closer to the rotation axis). In yet otherimplementations, more light field sub-displays 101 may be used at largerradii, e.g., by decreasing a spacing between adjacent light fieldsub-displays 101 or having the elongated elements 102 branch out intosub-elements as distance from the rotation axis increases.

The control system 110 can include a connection to a network, forexample, to receive images or image display instructions that are to bedisplayed by the display apparatus 100. The display apparatus 100 caninclude audio capability. For example, the display apparatus 100 mayinclude or be connected to a speaker system 118 to project audio incombination with the projected image. In some implementations, thedisplay apparatus 100 can include a microphone 119 and voice recognitiontechnology to enable the display apparatus 100 to receive and processaudio commands or comments from viewers. For example, the displayapparatus 100 may be configured to recognize comments from interestedviewers and take action to modify the display apparatus 100 in responseto the comments (e.g., by changing the color of the projected image,changing the projected image, outputting an audio response to thecomments, etc.). As an example, in a retail store environment, thedisplay may show an image of a product for sale, and in response to aquestion as to the price of the product, the display may output theprice audibly (e.g., “The product is on sale today for two dollars.”) orby a change in the displayed image (e.g., text or graphics showing theprice).

The display apparatus 100 may include a proximity sensor 116 to detectwhether an object is nearby and the control system 110 can take anappropriate action such as displaying an audible or visual warning orshutting off or slowing the rotation of the propeller. Suchimplementations may provide safety advantages if a viewer were toattempt to touch the 3-D visible object, not knowing about the rapidlyrotating propeller arms.

While examples of devices for producing a light field are describedherein, it will be understood that no single light field sub-displaytype is necessary for displaying a 3-D representation of an object inthe display apparatuses. Other light field displays are envisioned, suchthat a plurality of light field sub-displays is disposed on therotatable structure to produce a 3-D representation of an object. Forexample, any of the light field sub-displays, assemblies, orarrangements described in U.S. Patent Application No. 62/288,680, filedJan. 29, 2016, entitled “Holographic Propeller,” which is incorporatedby reference herein in its entirety for all it discloses, can beimplemented for displaying a 3-D representation of an object. Onenon-limiting advantage of some of the embodiments disclosed herein isthat by attaching an array of light field sub-displays along theelongated element that is rotated, the display apparatus may utilize areduced number of light field sub-displays to display the 3-Drepresentation as compared to a single non-rotating display covered bypixels. Another non-limiting advantage of the present embodiments isthat fewer display elements or light field sub-displays need beilluminated at any one time as compared to a single display thatilluminates the entire display to generate an image. In someembodiments, the control system 110 may be configured to control theactuation of each light field sub-display 101 (e.g., the timing,intensity, and color of illumination of each light field sub-display)based on a desired image to be projected by display apparatus 100.

Example Light Field Sub-Display Comprising a Micro-Lens Array Assembly

FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate an example of a light field sub-display 101 thatmay be disposed along the rotatable structure 105 of FIG. 1. FIG. 2A isan exploded perspective view of a portion of a light field sub-display101 having a micro-lens array 210 spaced apart from a pixel array 220comprising a plurality of pixels 205. The micro-lens array 210 includesa plurality of micro-lenses 215. FIG. 2B is a top view of the portion ofthe light field display 101 shown in FIG. 2A. The pixels 205 of thepixel array 220 can be liquid crystal (LC), light emitting diodes(LEDs), organic LEDs (OLEDs), or any other type of pixel structureconfigured to emit light for rendering an image. Generally the pixels205 of the pixel array 220 emit light substantially isotropically, atleast in the direction above the pixel array 220 and toward themicro-lens array 210. FIGS. 2A-2B, and the other figures illustratedherein, may not be to scale, but are for illustrative purposes only.Further, these figures schematically illustrate a portion of the lightfield sub-display 101, which may include more than the four micro-lenses215 and more than 100 pixels 205.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate that the light field sub-display 101 includesthe micro-lens array 210 having multiple micro-lenses 215. Themicro-lens array 210 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B includes a 2×2 array ofmicro-lenses 215. Each micro-lens 215 is associated with a subset ofpixels 205 of pixel array 220. For example, the micro-lens 215 a is usedto redirect light from the subset 225 of pixels 205 of pixels array 220disposed below the micro-lens 215 a into a variety of angulardirections. Redirection of the light by the micro-lens 215 a will bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 3A-3C.

The resolution of a display apparatus 100 employing the light fieldsub-display 101 of FIG. 2A-2B may depend on, e.g., the number ofmicro-lenses 215 included in the micro-lens array 210 and the number ofpixels in the subset 225 associated with each micro-lens. In someembodiments, each micro-lens 215 may be configured as a pixel of a lightfield sub-display 101. For example, the pixel array 220 illustrated inFIG. 2A includes an array of 10×10 pixels (shown with dashed lines).Each micro-lens 215 may be associated with a subset 225 of pixels 205,for example, as illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the micro-lens 215 a isassociated with the 5×5 subset 225 of pixels 205 (shown with solidlines). The micro-lens array 210 and the pixel array 220 are intended tobe illustrative, and in other embodiments, the arrangement, numbers,shapes, etc. of the micro-lenses and pixels can be different thanillustrated. For example, the pixel array 220 may include 100×100 pixelscovered by an array of micro-lenses 210 such that each micro-lens 215covers a 10×10 array of pixels on the pixel array 220.

In the example shown in FIGS. 2A-2B, the cross-sectional shapes of themicro-lenses 215 are depicted as circular, however they may comprise arectangular or any other shape. In some embodiments, the shape orspacing of the individual micro-lenses 215 can vary across themicro-lens array 210. Also, although FIGS. 2A and 2B depict a 2×2micro-lens array disposed over a 10×10 pixel array, it will beunderstood that this is for illustration purpose and any other number ordimension n×m (n, m=1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 20, 30, 64, 100, 512, 768, 1024,1280, 1920, 3840, or any other integer) for either the micro-lens array210 or the pixel array 220 can be used.

One non-limiting advantage of utilizing a micro-lens array 210, is thatthe each micro-lens array 210 of a single light field sub-display 101may be configured as a light field display capable of providing a lightfield to observers of the display apparatus. Light field displays arecapable of controlling the direction of light emitted along with thecolor and intensity. In contrast, conventional displays emit lightisotopically in all directions. For example, micro-lens 215 a may beassociated with the subset 225 of the pixels 205. The subset 225 ofpixels 205 may emit light that is isotropic, but when the light passesthrough the micro-lens 215 a, the light is directed toward an observermimicking or simulating a ray of light that originates from a point inspace at a focal plane at which the observer is focusing.

FIGS. 3A-3C are partial side views of the light field sub-display 101including an illustrative representation of ray traces for multiplearrangements of the pixel array 220 and micro-lens array 210. FIG. 3Aillustrates a partial cross-sectional side view of light fieldsub-display 101 including rays of light emitted from the subset 225 ofpixels 205 of pixel array 220. The pixels 205 of the pixel array 220 arepositioned at a distance of a from the micro-lens array 210. In someembodiments, the hardware processor is configured to drive each pixel205 of the pixel array 220 to emit light based on the image data storedin the digital memory 114. Light emitted from each of the individualpixels 205 interacts with the micro-lens array 210 such that the spatialextent of the light emitted from the subset 225 of pixels 205 under theassociated micro-lens 215 a generates an array of light beams 305 a thatpropagate at different outgoing angles. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 3A, the distance a between the micro-lens array 210 and theindividual pixels 205 is approximately equal to the focal length (f) ofthe micro-lens 215 in the micro-lens array 210. When the distance a isequal to the focal length (f), the light emitted from individual pixels205 of the pixel array 220 interacts with the micro-lens array 210 suchthat the spatial extent of the light emitted from the subset 225 ofpixels 205 generate an array of substantially collimated beams of light305 a at different outgoing angles. The different line types for thelight rays (e.g., solid line, dotted lines, etc.) do not refer to thecolor or intensity of light, but are merely illustrative to depict thegeometry of the rays of light emitted by different pixels.

In some embodiments, the number of pixels in the subset 225 of pixels205 disposed under each individual micro-lens 215 can be selected basedon the number of beams of light 305 a designed to be emitted from eachmicro-lens in the micro-lens array 210. For example, an n×m subset 225of pixels 205 underneath a micro-lens 215 a can produce an n×m array oflight beams perceivable by observers, thus representing n×m differentviewing directions of the object represented by the display apparatus100. In various implementations n and m (which may be different fromeach other, and different in each subset 225 of pixels 205) can beintegers such as, e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 16, 32, 64, 100, 256, ormore. For example, the micro-lens 215 a of FIG. 2A having a 5×5 subset225 of pixels 205, may emit a light at 25 different directions. Eachdirection may be associated with a viewing direction of the image to bedisplayed by the display apparatus 100.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3A, the individual pixels 205 arepositioned at the focal length (f) of the micro-lens array 210, suchthat light emitted from individual pixels 205 will be fully or partiallycollimated by the micro-lenses 215 and redirected to an outgoing anglesuch that the subset 225 of pixels 205 underneath the micro-lens 215effectively creates a multiplicity of beams of light 305 a, eachcorresponding to a particular angle of the overall light field generatedby the display. In some implementations, if relatively few pixels are inthe subset 225 of pixels 205, there may be gaps 310 a between theindividual collimated beams of light 305 a. The gaps 310 a may beperceivable by an observer viewing the image at an angle associated withthe gap 310 a and may distract from the appearance of the image if theangular extent of the gap 310 a is too large. The gap 310 a may beobserved as a fading of intensity of the light 305 a directed to theobserver at that angle. If the gaps 310 a are too large in angularextent, the observer may perceive the brightness of the displayed imageas modulating when the observer moves her head or eyes or slightlychanges her position relative to the display, which may be distracting.In one embodiment, the gap 310 a may be reduced by increasing the numberof pixels in the subset 225 of pixels 205 so that the angular extent ofthe gaps 310 a is sufficiently small. Ray tracing software can be usedto model the distribution of light from the light field sub-display 101and to determine the number, spacing, spatial distribution, etc. of thepixels and micro-lenses, based on factors such as a typical distancethat observers view the display, an amount of modulation that isacceptable, etc.

In another embodiment, alternatively or in combination with theembodiments described herein, the pixels in the subset 225 of pixels 205can be placed at a distance a from the micro-lens array 210 that isslightly larger or smaller than the focal plane 230 of micro-lenses 215(see, e.g., FIGS. 3B and 3C) of the microlenses. This may result in somedivergence of the individual beams so that there are fewer, reduced, orno gaps in the light field at the far-field from the light fieldsub-display 101. For example, FIG. 3B illustrates a scenario where thedistance a is smaller than the focal length f, thus the beams of light305 b diverge outward, thereby reducing the angular extent of the gaps310 b. FIG. 3C illustrates a scenario where the distance a is greaterthan the focal length f, so that the beams may diverge toward a centralbeam, which in some embodiments may result in larger gaps 310 c.

Light Field Sub-Display Comprising Waveguide Stack Assembly

While FIGS. 2A-3C show examples light field sub-displays 101 comprisinga micro-lens array 210 for use in a display apparatus 100, this is forillustration and not limitation. It will be understood that the variousadvantages of the embodiments disclosed herein may be achieved by anyvariation and type of display capable of producing a light field used asone or more of the light field sub-displays 101. For example, any of thelight field displays, stacked waveguide assemblies, or other opticalemitters described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/555,585, filedNov. 27, 2014, entitled “Virtual and Augmented Reality Systems andMethods,” published as U.S. Patent Publication No. 2015/0205126, whichis hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all itdiscloses, can be implemented as one or more of the light fieldsub-displays 101 of the display 100 of FIG. 1. Furthermore, the stackedwaveguide assemblies may be implemented in the alternative or incombination with the light field sub-displays comprising the micro-lensarray of FIGS. 2A and 2B.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate one such embodiment of a stacked waveguideassembly 178 that may be implemented as a light field sub-display 101.For example, FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate aspects of an approach forsimulating three-dimensional imagery using multiple depth planes. Theoptics illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B correspond to a stacked waveguideassembly of transmissive beamsplitter substrates, each of which isconfigured to project light at a different focal plane.

With reference to FIG. 4A, objects at various distances from eye 404(which may be a single eye or two eyes) are accommodated by the eye 404so that those objects are in focus. Consequently, a particularaccommodated state may be said to be associated with a particular depthplanes, with has an associated focal distance, such that objects orparts of objects in a particular depth plane are in focus when the eyeis in the accommodated state for that depth plane. In some embodiments,three-dimensional imagery may be simulated by providing differentpresentations (e.g., different rendered frames) of an image for each eye404, and also by providing different presentations of the imagecorresponding to each of the depth planes or different viewing angles.Without being limited by theory, it is believed that the human eyetypically can interpret a finite number of depth planes to provide depthperception. Consequently, a highly believable simulation of perceiveddepth may be achieved by providing, to the eye, different presentationsof an image corresponding to each of these limited number of depthplanes.

FIG. 4A illustrates an example of a stacked waveguide assembly 178 foroutputting image information to a user. The stacked waveguide assembly,or stack of waveguides, 178 that may be utilized to providethree-dimensional perception to the eye/brain using a plurality ofwaveguides 182, 184, 186, 188, 190. In some embodiments, the waveguideassembly 178 may correspond to a light field sub-display 101 of FIG. 1.

With continued reference to FIG. 4A, the stacked waveguide assembly 178may also include a plurality of features 198, 196, 194, 192 between thewaveguides. In some embodiments, the features 198, 196, 194, 192 maycomprise lenses. The waveguides 182, 184, 186, 188, 190 or the pluralityof lenses 198, 196, 194, 192 may be configured to send image informationto the eye with various levels of wavefront curvature or light raydivergence. Each waveguide level may be associated with a particulardepth plane and may be configured to output image informationcorresponding to that depth plane. Image injection devices 410, 420,430, 440, 450 may be utilized to inject rendered frame image information(as describe d above) into the waveguides 182, 184, 186, 188, 190, eachof which may be configured to distribute incoming light across eachrespective waveguide, for output toward the eye 404. In someembodiments, a single beam of light (e.g., a collimated beam) may beinjected into each waveguide to output an entire field of clonedcollimated beams that are directed toward the eye 404 at particularangles (and amounts of divergence) corresponding to the depth plane ofthe rendered frame and associated with a particular waveguide.

The waveguides 182, 184, 186, 188, 190 may be configured to propagatelight within each respective waveguide by total internal reflection(TIR). The waveguides 182, 184, 186, 188, 190 may each be planar or haveanother shape (e.g., curved), with major top and bottom surfaces andedges extending between those major top and bottom surfaces. In theillustrated configuration, the waveguides 182, 184, 186, 188, 190 mayeach include light extracting optical elements 282, 284, 286, 288, 290that are configured to extract light out of a waveguide by redirectingthe light, propagating within each respective waveguide, out of thewaveguide to output image information to the eye 404. An extracted beamof light is outputted by the waveguide at locations at which the lightpropagating in the waveguide strikes a light redirecting element. Thelight extracting optical elements 282, 284, 286, 288, 290 may, forexample, be reflective or diffractive optical features. Whileillustrated disposed at the bottom major surfaces of the waveguides 182,184, 186, 188, 190 for ease of description and drawing clarity, in someembodiments, the light extracting optical elements 282, 284, 286, 288,290 may be disposed at the top or bottom major surfaces, or may bedisposed directly in the volume of the waveguides 182, 184, 186, 188,190. In some embodiments, the light extracting optical elements 282,284, 286, 288, 290 may be formed in a layer of material that is attachedto a transparent substrate to form the waveguides 182, 184, 186, 188,190. In some other embodiments, the waveguides 182, 184, 186, 188, 190may be a monolithic piece of material and the light extracting opticalelements 282, 284, 286, 288, 290 may be formed on a surface or in theinterior of that piece of material.

With continued reference to FIG. 4A, as discussed herein, each waveguide182, 184, 186, 188, 190 is configured to output light to form a renderedframe or presentation based on a particular depth plane or viewingdirection. For example, the waveguide 182 nearest the eye may beconfigured to deliver collimated light, as injected into such waveguide182, to the eye 404. The collimated light may be representative of theoptical infinity focal plane. The next waveguide up 184 may beconfigured to send out collimated light which passes through the firstlens 192 (e.g., a negative lens) before it can reach the eye 404. Firstlens 192 may be configured to create a slight convex wavefront curvatureso that the eye/brain interprets light coming from that next waveguideup 184 as coming from a first focal plane or viewed direction closerinward toward the eye 404 from optical infinity. Similarly, the third upwaveguide 186 passes its output light through both the first lens 192and second lens 194 before reaching the eye 404. The combined opticalpower of the first and second lenses 192 and 194 may be configured tocreate another incremental amount of wavefront curvature so that theeye/brain interprets light coming from the third waveguide 186 as comingfrom a second focal plane or viewing direction that is even closerinward toward the person from optical infinity than was light from thenext waveguide up 184. Accordingly, one or more waveguides of thewaveguide stack may be configured, individually or in combination withthe other waveguides, as one or more pixels of the light fieldsub-display.

The other waveguide layers (e.g., waveguides 188, 190) and lenses (e.g.,lenses 196, 198) are similarly configured, with the highest waveguide190 in the stack sending its output through all of the lenses between itand the eye for an aggregate focal power representative of the closestfocal plane to the person. To compensate for the stack of lenses 198,196, 194, 192 when viewing/interpreting light coming from the world 144on the other side of the stacked waveguide assembly 178, a compensatinglens layer 180 may be disposed at the top of the stack to compensate forthe aggregate power of the lens stack 198, 196, 194, 192 below. Such aconfiguration provides as many perceived focal planes as there areavailable waveguide/lens pairings. Both the light extracting opticalelements of the waveguides and the focusing aspects of the lenses may bestatic (e.g., not dynamic or electro-active). In some alternativeembodiments, either or both may be dynamic using electro-activefeatures.

With continued reference to FIG. 4A, the light extracting opticalelements 282, 284, 286, 288, 290 may be configured to both redirectlight out of their respective waveguides and to output this light withthe appropriate amount of divergence or collimation for a particulardepth plane (or viewing direction) associated with the waveguide. As aresult, waveguides having different associated depth planes (or viewingdirection) may have different configurations of light extracting opticalelements, which output light with a different amount of divergencedepending on the associated depth plane (or viewing direction). In someembodiments, as discussed herein, the light extracting optical elements282, 284, 286, 288, 290 may be volumetric or surface features, which maybe configured to output light at specific angles. For example, the lightextracting optical elements 282, 284, 286, 288, 290 may be volumeholograms, surface holograms, or diffraction gratings. In otherembodiments, they may simply be spacers (e.g., cladding layers orstructures for forming air gaps).

FIG. 4B shows an example of exit beams outputted by a waveguide. Onewaveguide is illustrated, but other waveguides in the waveguide assembly178 may function similarly, where the waveguide assembly 178 includesmultiple waveguides. Light 400 is injected into the waveguide 182 at theinput edge 382 of the waveguide 182 and propagates within the waveguide182 by TIR. At points where the light 400 impinges on the lightextracting optical element 282, a portion of the light exits thewaveguide as exit beams 402. The exit beams 402 are illustrated assubstantially parallel but they may also be redirected to propagate tothe eye 404 at an angle (e.g., forming divergent exit beams), dependingon the depth plane or viewing angle associated with the waveguide 182.Substantially parallel exit beams may be indicative of a waveguide withlight extracting optical elements that extract light to form images thatappear to be set on a depth plane at a large distance (e.g., opticalinfinity) from the eye 404. Other waveguides or other sets of lightextracting optical elements may output an exit beam pattern that is moredivergent, which would require the eye 404 to accommodate to a closerdistance to bring it into focus on the retina and would be interpretedby the brain as light from a distance closer to the eye 404 than opticalinfinity.

FIG. 4C schematically illustrates an example augmented reality (AR)display device and belt-pack, which may include a battery, a processor,or an illuminated fan assembly. A user 60 of the AR device is depictedwearing a head mounted component 58 featuring a frame 64 structurecoupled to a display system 62 positioned in front of the eyes of theuser. A speaker 66 is coupled to the frame 64 in the depictedconfiguration and positioned adjacent the ear canal of the user (in oneembodiment, another speaker, not shown, is positioned adjacent the otherear canal of the user to provide for stereo/shapeable sound control).The display system 52 can comprise any type of augmented or virtualreality display. For example, the display system 52 can comprise alight-field display (e.g., having a stacked waveguide assembly 178) thatis generally similar to that described with reference to FIGS. 4A and4B. The display 62 is operatively coupled 68, such as by a wired lead orwireless connectivity, to a local processing and data module 70 whichmay be mounted in a variety of configurations, such as fixedly attachedto the frame 64, fixedly attached to a helmet or hat, embedded inheadphones, removably attached to the torso or an appendage (e.g., anarm) of the user, or a hip 84 of the user 60 as shown in FIG. 4C in abelt-coupling style configuration (e.g., or in a backpack-styleconfiguration.

The local processing and data module 70 may comprise a power-efficientprocessor or controller, as well as digital memory, such as flashmemory, both of which may be utilized to assist in the processing,caching, and storage of data a) captured from sensors which may beoperatively coupled to the frame 64, such as image capture devices (suchas cameras), microphones, inertial measurement units, accelerometers,compasses, GPS units, radio devices, or gyros; or b) acquired orprocessed using the remote processing module 72 or remote datarepository 74, possibly for passage to the display 62 after suchprocessing or retrieval. The local processing and data module 70 may beoperatively coupled 76, 78, such as via a wired or wirelesscommunication links, to a remote processing module 72 and remote datarepository 74 such that these remote modules 72, 74 are operativelycoupled to each other and available as resources to the local processingand data module 70.

In one embodiment, the remote processing module 72 may comprise one ormore relatively powerful processors or controllers configured to analyzeand process data or image information. In one embodiment, the remotedata repository 74 may comprise a relatively large-scale digital datastorage facility, which may be available through the internet or othernetworking configuration in a “cloud” resource configuration. In oneembodiment, all data is stored and all computation is performed in thelocal processing and data module, allowing fully autonomous use from anyremote modules.

As shown in the example of FIG. 4C, the local processing and data module70 can include a fan assembly 800 b designed to cool the electronics inthe module 70. Examples of the fan assembly 800 b are described belowwith reference to FIGS. 8B and 8C. Also, as further described below withreference to FIGS. 8A-18, the fan assembly 800 b can be illuminated(e.g., via external light sources or via light sources disposed on fanblades) and configured to display an image, color(s), alerts, messages,operational states of the AR display device, etc. The local processingand data module 70 or the remote processing module 72 and remote datarepository 74 can be programmed to perform the processing used todisplay an image by the fan assembly 800 b, for example, to perform themethods described with reference to FIGS. 14-16 and 18.

Alternative Embodiments for Displaying a 3-D Representation of an Object

While FIG. 1 shows an example of the display apparatus 100 comprising arotatable structure 105 having four elongated elements 102 with lightfield sub-displays 101 disposed thereon, the display apparatus 100 canbe configured differently in other embodiments. For example, a rotatablestructure may comprise any number of elongated elements having any shapeor size. Furthermore, the rotatable structure may comprise a singlestructure having one or more arrays of light field sub-displays. FIGS.5A-5G illustrate some of the embodiments of a display apparatus 100 inaccordance with the disclosure herein, however, other configurations arepossible.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate the display apparatus 100 with differentrotatable structures 105 configured as a propeller in which the numberand arrangement of the elongated elements 102 are different thanillustrated in FIG. 1 (the motor 104 and the control system 110 are notshown). For example, FIG. 5A illustrates a rotatable structure 105 athat comprises three elongated elements 102 a. Similar to elongatedelements 102 of FIG. 1, each elongated element 102 a includes aplurality of light field sub-displays 101. While FIG. 5A illustrates anarrangement of three equally spaced elongated elements 102 a, theelongated elements 102 a need not be equally spaced, but may have anyspacing therebetween. FIG. 5B illustrates another example of a rotatablestructure 105 b that comprises six elongated elements 102 b. Theelongated elements need not be equal in length or width. Furthermore, asillustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the number of light field sub-displays101 on each elongated element (102 a, 102 b) is the same, this need notbe the case for all designs of rotatable structures. The number of lightfield sub-displays 101 may be varied as required by the particularapplication of the display apparatus 100.

In some embodiments, the elongated elements need not be straight, butmay have any non-straight shape (e.g., curved, arcuate, segmented,etc.). For example, FIG. 5C illustrates another rotatable structure 105c with elongated elements 102 c having an arced shape, where the arc isalong the same plane that the light field sub-displays 101 are disposedthereon. For example, the elongated elements 102 c are curved along aplane that is perpendicular to the rotation axis 120 of the rotatablestructure 105 c.

In some embodiments, the elongated elements need not have a square orrectangular cross section. For example, each elongated element may havea circular or ovular cross section. In other embodiments, the elongatedelements may have a cross section of any polygon shape (e.g., crosssection shape of a triangle, pentagon, hexagon, etc.). While theembodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 5A-5G depict the plurality oflight field sub-displays 101 being disposed along a single planarsurface perpendicular to the rotation axis 120, this need not be thecase. For example, with reference to FIG. 5A, light field sub-displays101 a (shown with dashed lines) optionally can be disposed on othersurfaces of the elongated element.

Similarly, each elongated element may be rotated about a second rotationaxis different than the rotation axis 120 of the rotatable structure.For example, referring to FIG. 5A, each elongated element 102 a may havean axis 530 extending along the elongated element. The display apparatus100 may then be configured to individually or in combination rotate oneor more of the elongated elements 105 a about their own axis 530.

In some embodiments, the display apparatus 100 may comprise multiplerotatable structures. For example, FIG. 5D illustrates multiplerotatable structures 105 d and 105 e that may be rotated independent ofeach other about the rotation axis 120. FIG. 5D illustrates tworotatable structures (105 d, 105 e) but 3, 4, 5, or more rotatablestructures can be utilized. As shown in FIG. 5D, the number of elongatedelements 102 d and 102 e need not be the same on each rotatablestructure, however, they may be the same in number, shape, andarrangement on the two rotatable structures. In some embodiments, therotation rate or rotation direction of the rotatable structure 105 d isthe same as the rotation rate or rotation direction of the rotatablestructure 105 e. In another embodiment, the rotation rates or rotationdirections are different for the different rotatable structures, e.g.,the rotatable structures rotate in opposite directions. Furthermore, thenumber of light field sub-displays 101 disposed on each rotatablestructure need not be the same or in the same arrangement.

In some embodiments, additionally or alternatively to the use of anumber of elongated elements, the rotatable structure 105 of the displayapparatus 100 may comprise a transparent element that can be rotated bythe motor 104. The transparent element can be a plexiglass disk or thin,2-D polymer, thermoplastic, or acrylic element. For example, FIGS. 5Eand 5F illustrate an example of such an arrangement. FIG. 5E is aperspective view of an example rotatable structure 105 f comprising thetransparent element 510. FIG. 5F is a cross sectional view of thedisplay apparatus 100 taken along the line A-A shown in FIG. 5E. Thelight field sub-displays 101 can be attached to the transparent element510 in any suitable arrangement and illuminated by the control system110, as described above. As illustrated in FIGS. 5E and 5F, the lightfield sub-displays 101 may be disposed on a surface of the transparentelement 510 along an elongated direction 502 f so that the arrangementof the light field sub-displays 101 is analogous to the arrangementalong the elongated elements 102 shown in FIGS. 1 and 5A-5C. While FIG.5F illustrates the light field sub-displays 101 on an upper surface ofthe transparent element 510, the light field sub-displays 101 may beattached to a lower surface of the transparent element 510 or disposedwithin the transparent element 510. For example, the light fieldsub-displays 101 can be attached to a surface of a first transparentdisk, and then a second transparent disk disposed over the first disk.Such embodiments advantageously can protect the sub-displays from beingtouched by observers or from environmental damage.

The material of the transparent element 510 may be selected to have noor minimal effect on the optical properties of the light transmissionfrom each light field sub-display 101 (e.g., the material issubstantially transparent in the visible). In other embodiments, thetransparent element 510 may include color filtering, polarizationmodification, or other optical properties to be imparted onto lightemitted from the light field sub-displays 101. One non-limitingadvantage of the display apparatus of FIGS. 5E and 5F is that the lightfield sub-displays 101 are attached to or contained in a rotating diskwhich may minimize a risk of an external item (e.g., a hand from aperson viewing the image) from being inserted between each arm of thepropeller embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 and 5A-5C, thereby reducingpotential for damaging the display apparatus 100 or harming the externalitem.

FIG. 5G illustrates an embodiment of display apparatus that isstationary. The display apparatus 500 comprises an array of light fieldsub-displays 101 disposed on a transparent substrate 550. FIG. 5Gschematically illustrates an 11×11 array of light field sub-displays101, however, any size n×m of a light field sub-display array may beimplemented. A subset of the array of light field sub-displays 101 mayform an elongated feature 502 g by being illuminated by the controlsystem 110 to generate any number or arrangement of elongated elements502 g. The subset array of light field sub-displays 101 that areilluminated may be changed at a rotation rate, such that the elongatedfeature 502 g is electrically rotated about the display apparatus 500.In effect, by sequentially illuminating elongated features 502 g of thelight field sub-displays 101, the control system 110 can electronicallymimic physical rotation of the arms of the propeller.

For each instance in time as the elongated feature 502 g rotates, thesubset array of light field sub-displays 101 that make up the elongatedfeature 502 g changes. Accordingly, the elongated feature 502 g appearsto be rotating about a path 503 as result of strobing or turning thelight field sub-displays 101 on and off. As the elongated feature 502 gis “rotated,” the light field sub-displays 101 of the subset array oflight field sub-displays 101 are controlled by the controller 110 todisplay a 3-D representation of an image. One non-limiting advantage ofthe embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5G is that there are no mechanicallyrotating parts of the display apparatus 500, the rotation is impartedonto the light field sub-displays 101 through processing by thecontroller. As such, there is no rotatable structure that may causedamage or injury to surrounding areas. In the embodiment shown in FIG.5G, no motor is used since the display apparatus 500 is stationary.However, in other embodiments, a motor can be used to rotate thesubstrate 550, so that the combination of physical rotation of thesubstrate 500 and electronic “rotation” of the light field sub-displays101 that are illuminated provides the light field image.

Example Non-Planar Light Field Display Apparatus

FIGS. 6A and 6B are perspective views of an example of display apparatus100 and multiple observers 620 a, 620 b viewing an example image 610 (ofa dog) displayed by the display apparatus 100 at different viewingdirections. The display apparatus 100 illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B maybe substantially similar to the display apparatus 100 of FIGS. 1 and5A-5G.

FIG. 6A illustrates an observer 620 a positioned approximately in frontof the display apparatus 100, e.g., at a small angle relative to thedirection of the rotation axis 120. The field of view of the displayapparatus 100 for observer 620 a is illustrated as dotted lines 615 a.For observer 620 a, the field of view 615 a is wide enough to fully viewthe image displayed by display apparatus 100.

In contrast, FIG. 6B illustrates an observer 620 b positioned such thatthe observer 620 b is viewing the image 610 projected by displayapparatus 100 at an angle off from the rotation axis 120. As theobserver 620 b views the image 610 at increasingly greater angles fromthe rotation axis 120, the field of view 615 b may become increasinglynarrow. The narrow field of view 615 b may result in a distorted image,a flattened image, or even an unviewable image. Is some embodiments,this may be due to the light field sub-displays 101 being viewed fromincreasingly large oblique angles, and the light field sub-displays 101are unable to direct light at increasing greater angles from therotation axis 120. Due to the 3-D light field nature of the lightprojected from the display apparatus 100, the observers who are off-axis(e.g., the observer 620 b) will perceive a different perspective of theimage 610 being projected from the display.

Accordingly, FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of the display apparatus100 configured to display a 3-D representation of an object at greaterangles from the rotation axis 120. FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective viewof an example of the display apparatus 100 in which the rotatablestructure 105 is curved so as to be convex to observers 720 a, 720 b.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, the elongated elements 102 ofthe rotatable structure 105 are curved out of the plane that isperpendicular to the rotation axis 120 to achieve the convexity. Anadvantage of a display apparatus 100 having a convex rotatable structure105 is that an observer (e.g., the observer 720 b) that is not directlyin front of the display apparatus (e.g., like the observer 720 a) cansee a substantial field of view 715 b of the display apparatus 100(e.g., an increased field of view as compared to the flat rotatablestructure of FIGS. 6A and 6B).

The curvature of the elongated elements 102 can be selected to provide adesired field of view for the display apparatus 100. The curvature neednot be constant along an elongated element 102 or the same for eachelongated element 102. For example, each elongated element may have adifferent radius of curvature, or a single elongated element 102 mayhave a radius of curvature that depends on distance from the rotationaxis or distance along the elongated element 102.

Further, while FIG. 7 illustrates a display apparatus 100 having arotatable structure 105 similar to the rotatable structure 105 of FIG.1, in other embodiments, the display apparatus 100 can include anyrotatable structure described herein.

Example Display Apparatus Comprising a Fan Assembly

While FIG. 1 shows an example of the display apparatus 100 comprising arotatable structure 105 having elongated elements 102 with light fieldsub-displays 101 disposed thereon, the display apparatus 100 can beconfigured differently in other embodiments. For example, the displayapparatus 100 may comprise a fan assembly. In such embodiments, the fanassembly may comprise a rotatable structure including a plurality of fanblades having any shape, size, or positional relationship with respectto other fan blades or with respect to an axis of rotation about whichthe rotatable structure rotates. The rotatable structure may compriseany number of fan blades needed to satisfy the fan specificationrequirements for a particular thermal system application. The rotatablestructure may further comprise a central hub which may be circular orany other desired shape and may be centered at the axis of rotation ofthe rotatable structure. In certain embodiments, fan blades may extendradially outwardly from a central hub. The fan blades may comprise theelongated elements 102 as described above with respect to FIG. 1.

The fan blades or any other portion of the rotatable structure maycomprise one or more light sources mounted thereon or embedded therein.In some embodiments, the light sources may comprise light fieldsub-displays 101 as described above in connection with FIGS. 1-3C. Forexample, the plurality of pixels 205 may be configured to project lighttoward a micro-lens array where the light may be redirected in a mannersubstantially similar to that described above in connection with FIGS.3A-3C. Other configurations of light sources, light redirectingelements, and relationships between components are possible. Forexample, the fan blades can include combinations of both light fieldsub-displays and other optical sources such as, e.g., LEDs.

In some embodiments, light sources may be physically spaced apart from,but in direct or indirect optical communication with, the fan blades orany other portion of the rotatable structure. In such embodiments, thefan blades or other portions of the rotatable structure may beconfigured to reflect light from the spaced apart light source toproject a displayed image. In some embodiments, on-board light sourcesand spaced apart light sources may be used in combination.

FIGS. 8A and 9A-9D illustrate some example embodiments of a fan assemblyfor displaying an image in accordance with the disclosure herein,however, other configurations are possible. Generally, as used herein, afan assembly can include a fan (such as, e.g., a desk fan) or anassembly that when electromechanically coupled with another device (suchas, e.g., a computer or an AR device) is used to cool the device. A fanassembly can also comprise portions of a fan such as, e.g., therotatable fan blades, which are combined with other components (e.g., amotor, a base, a cage surrounding the fan blades, etc.) to form acompleted fan.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of an example display apparatus 100 and anobserver 820 viewing an example image 810 (e.g., a dog in this example)displayed by the display apparatus. Unless otherwise noted, thecomponents of FIG. 8A may include components similar to like numberedcomponents shown in FIGS. 1 and 7.

As shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8A, the display apparatus100 may comprise a fan assembly 800 a. Fan assembly 800 a may include arotatable structure 805 a, and may further include fan blades 802 a. Incertain embodiments, rotatable structure 805 a may include embodimentsof the elongated elements 102 described herein (see, e.g., FIGS. 1,5A-5D, and 6A-7). In general, the fan assembly 800 a may comprise anyfan or machine having a rotatable structure 805 a comprising a pluralityof fan blades 802 a having a plurality of light sources disposed on atleast a portion of at least one fan blade 802 a. In some embodiments,the light sources may comprise light field sub-displays 101 as describedabove in connection with FIGS. 2A-3B; however, other types of lightsources and light redirectors may also be used.

Referring again to FIG. 8A, the fan blades 802 a can be configured torotate about a rotation axis 120 to generate a directional fluid flow ofa medium surrounding the fan blades 802 a (e.g., air in someembodiments). While the fan assembly 800 a of FIG. 8A is illustrated asa household standing fan, other configurations are possible. Forexample, the fan assembly 800 a may comprise a standing desk fan, aclip-on fan comprising a spring loaded fastener, a box fan, awall-mounted fan, a ceiling fan, a window fan, a desk fan, a coolingfan, a fan configured to cool electronics or computer components, a fanfor use in mobile devices, a centrifugal fan, a propeller for aerialvehicles, engine turbines, etc.

FIG. 8A also illustrates an observer 820 positioned approximately infront of the display apparatus 100. As described above in connectionwith FIGS. 1-4B, the light field sub-displays 101, which may be disposedon fan blades 802 a, are configured to produce and redirect light in adesired pattern and frequency while the fan blades 802 a are rotatedabout rotation axis 120 at a desired rotational velocity by the motor804 a. Thus, the image 810 (e.g., a dog in this example), is displayedas a 3-D representation of the image. Accordingly, as describedthroughout this disclosure, the observer 820 is able to view the image810 within the field of view of the observer 820 (illustrated as dottedlines 815).

As illustrated in FIG. 8A, the fan assembly 800 a may be coupled to thecontrol system 110, which can be configured to drive the fan assembly800 a as described above in connection with FIG. 1. The control system110 can be coupled to the fan assembly 800 a via a wired or wirelesslink 850 a. In some embodiments, a wired link 850 a may feed into anopening of the support 830 to the motor 804 a and fan blades 802 a. Awired link may further pass through a housing 860 a which may at leastpartially surround rotatable structure 805 a. The rotatable structure805 a or fan blades 802 a may comprise a plurality of cavities orpathways arranged to accept wired communications lines between each ofthe light field sub-displays 101 and the control system 110. Both wiredand wireless link embodiments provide communication for controlling theoperation of the motor 804 a and at least one light source component,such as at least one light field sub-display (not shown), disposed onfan blades 802 a to project an image 810 toward an observer 820.

The fan blades 802 a may comprise a shape, number, or rotation rateabout axis of rotation 120 based on the intended use of the fan assembly800 a. The fan blades 802 a can be configured to generate an air flowbased on the rotation about the rotation axis 120, where the volume flowrate of the generated airflow may be based on the intended use of thefan assembly 800 a (e.g., house fan, propellers for aerial vehicles,engine turbines, etc.). For example, the fan blades 802 a may comprise acontoured shape, an angled position with respect to a plane normal tothe axis of rotation 120, or a specific surface size such that fanblades 802 a are configured to induce an air flow to move air or otherfluid medium from one side of the fan assembly 800 a to other duringrotation of the fan blades 802 a. The shape of fan blades 802 a can bebased on fluid dynamics, aerodynamics, etc. so as to provide desired airflow properties. In some embodiments, the fan blade shape may beconfigured to optimize the airflow. In embodiments having light fieldsub-displays 101 disposed thereon, fan blade design characteristics suchas the shape, the size, the number, the material, and the position ofthe fan blades may all be selected to accommodate for changes in weight,rotational inertia, and balance that may occur when including lightfield sub-display components on the fan blades 802 a. The designcharacteristics of fan blades 802 a may be further selected to accountfor additional drag due to the light field sub-displays 101 mounted orotherwise disposed thereon. In some embodiments, the light fieldsub-displays 101 or other light sources may be embedded in the fanblades 802 a to reduce drag by providing a substantially flush surface808 a. Other configurations are possible.

In some embodiments, the shape may also be configured to anisotropicallydirect light into an array of light beams that propagate at differentoutgoing angles to generate an image. The fan blades 802 a may have avaried shape along any one of a length, width, or depth of the fanblades 802 a. In some embodiments, the fan blades 802 a may be flatternear the rotation axis 120 (e.g., having a surface nearer to parallel inposition with respect to a reference plane normal to the rotation axis120) and be increasingly angled with respect to that reference planewith increasing radial distance from the rotation axis 120. In someembodiments, fan blades may have a flat, angled surface at a constantangle with respect to a normal reference plane to the axis of rotation120. In other embodiments, the fan blades may have a curved or acontoured depth, width, or length, each of which may vary with radialdistance from axis of rotation 120. In various embodiments, the shape ofthe fan blades 802 a may have a contoured depth relative to a virtualplane perpendicular (not shown) to the rotation axis 120. For example,the fan blades 802 a may have a contoured surface 808 a (e.g. thesurface directing light therefrom) that has a difference in angle of thecontour relative to the rotation axis 120. In embodiments having lightfield sub-displays mounted on or embedded in fan blades 802 a, the lightfield sub-displays may be positioned along the length, width, or depthdimension of the fan blade 802 a such that light may be projected at anydesired angle to create a displayed image 810.

Particular contours of fan blades 802 a may be used advantageously inother embodiments as well. For example, in embodiments having spacedapart light sources which project or direct light toward fan blades 802a for redirection, particular shapes and angles of the fan blades 802 awith respect to the light source may affect the displayed image 810. Invarious embodiments, one or more of the contours, the size, the shape,and the number of the fan blades may be selected to achieve a desiredair flow characteristic and light reflection or redirectioncharacteristics. In embodiments having angled fan blades with respect toa reference plane normal to the axis of rotation 120, light may travelvarying distances from a light source display before reaching thecontoured surface 808 a (e.g., FIGS. 12A-12C). Without subscribing toany particular scientific theory, this may be advantageous in projectinga displayed image 810 with certain visual characteristics. Inparticular, varying the light path distances between a light source andthe point of redirection may allow the presentation of three dimensionalimages. In another example, the light may originate from a sourcedirected toward a given viewing direction (e.g., via light fieldsub-displays or other light manipulation elements), where the viewingdirection is located at an angle relative to the rotation axis 120, forexample, on a side of the fan assembly 800 (e.g., FIGS. 8A-9D). Otherconfigurations are possible.

In some embodiments, the fan blades 802 a may comprise an arrangement ofthe light field sub-displays 101 balanced to the fan blades 802 a. Forexample and without subscribing a scientific theory, the plurality offan blades 802 a may need to be balanced against each other to reduceinduce noise and vibration. Accordingly, additional features disposedthereon (e.g., light field sub-displays 101, wires for controllingsub-displays 101, etc.) may be balanced within each fan blade 802 a,against each other fan blade 802 a, or throughout the rotatablestructure 805 a such that a desired symmetry or balance is achieved.

In some embodiments, the fan assembly 800 a may be configured todissipate heat from other objects nearby. Accordingly, the fan blades802 a may be shaped or driven to remove heat from these objects.However, light field sub-displays thereon may generate additional heatduring operation. Accordingly, the control system 101 may be configuredto control the rotation of the fan blades 802 a or the operation of thelight field sub-displays to reduce, mitigate, or neutralize the effectof any heat generated by the light field sub-displays.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8A, the fan assembly 800 a cancomprise a housing 860 a configured to at least partially enclose thefan blades 802 a and motor 804 a. In some embodiments, the housing 860 amay comprise a plurality of housing surfaces (not shown) configured tobe connected together by fasteners or other mechanical connectors. Insome embodiments, the housing 860 a may comprise an array of wiresforming a mesh (e.g., a cage) comprising a plurality of openings forfluid flow through the housing 860 a while enclosing the rotatablestructure 805 a. In some embodiments, the housing 860 a is optional. Ahub 827 a may be disposed approximately at the rotation axis 120, forexample, over the motor 804 a in this example. The hub 837 a may be partof the housing 860 a or may be a separate component. In someembodiments, hub 837 a may be coupled to or may be formed integrallywith rotating assembly 805 a.

The fan assembly 800 a may comprise a support 830 that providesstructural support to the fan assembly 800 a. In some embodiments, thesupport 830 a may comprise a stand comprising base 832 and a support arm835. In other embodiments, the support 830 may be part of the housing860, e.g., a box fan.

FIGS. 8B and 8C illustrate a plan and a side view of another exampleembodiment of a fan assembly. FIG. 8B is a plan view of a fan assembly800 b, for example, a fan configured to cool an electronic device (e.g.,computers, mobile devices, augmented reality devices, etc.) or dissipateheat from a surrounding area. FIG. 8C is a schematic side sectional viewof the fan assembly 800 b of FIG. 8B along sectional line A-A. Unlessotherwise noted, the components shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C may includecomponents similar to like numbered components shown in FIG. 8A. Asshown in FIGS. 8B and 8C, the fan assembly 800 b can comprise a frameassembly that can have a first support frame 865 a and a second supportframe 865 b coupled to the first frame 865 a. A rotatable structure 805b can be disposed between the first and second support frames 865 a, 865b, e.g., within the enclosure defined by the frames 865 a, 865 b. Therotatable structure 805 b can comprise a hub 827 b and one or aplurality of blades 802 b (e.g., fan blades) coupled with or extendingfrom the hub 827 b. The hub 827 b can be coupled with the shaft assembly823. In some embodiments, a bushing can be disposed between the shaftassembly 823 and the hub 827 b. In some embodiments, the rotatablestructure 805 b can rotate relative to the rotationally fixed shaftassembly 823. In other embodiments, the rotatable structure 805 b canrotate with the rotating shaft assembly 823.

As shown in FIG. 8C, a first end 833 of the shaft assembly 823 can besupported by or coupled with the first support frame 865 a (e.g., to asupport structure defined by or including the frame, to the motor,etc.). For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 8C, the first end 833 ofthe shaft assembly 823 can be secured to the first support frame 865 aat a first shaft support 834 of the first support frame 865 a. Invarious embodiments, the first end 833 can be welded, glued, or pressfit onto the frame 865 a. The first shaft support 834 can comprise aportion of a structural body defined by the first support frame 865 a.In other embodiments, the first support frame 865 a can comprise themotor 804 b such that the first end 833 of the shaft assembly 823 may besecured to the motor 804 b and the shaft support 834 comprises a portionof the motor 804 b. Any suitable structure can be used as the shaftsupport 834 so as to secure the first end 833 of the shaft assembly 823.

In some implementations, the rotatable structure 805 b may compriselight sources (e.g., light field sub-displays or other light emittingelements) that may add additional weight or air resistance to the fanblades which may affect the rotation of the rotatable structure 805 b.Such additional structures may result in increased transverse loads(e.g., loads that are transverse to the longitudinal axis of the shaftassembly) applied to the shaft assembly 823. Accordingly, in someembodiments, it can be advantageous to control transverse loads (e.g.,loads that are transverse to the longitudinal axis of the shaftassembly) applied to the shaft assembly 823 so as to reduce noise andvibrations, and to mitigate the risks of fatigue, wear, or excessiveloading conditions. Accordingly, in the embodiment of FIGS. 8B and 8C, asecond support frame 865 b can be provided to reduce transverse loadingon the shaft assembly 823. The second support frame 865 b can be coupledwith the first support frame 865 a and can be disposed at or over asecond end 836 of the shaft assembly 823 so as to control transverseloading at the second end 836. In FIGS. 8B and 8C, the second supportframe 865 b can comprise a second shaft support 826 coupled with thesecond end 836. The second shaft support 826 can be rigidly attached tothe second support frame 865 b across at least a portion of the airflowopening 829. In some embodiments, the second shaft support 826 cancomprise a pin or other connector that rigidly attaches the second end836 of the shaft assembly 823 to the frame 865 b. In variousembodiments, the second shaft support 826 can be connectedconcentrically or axially relative to the rotation axis 120 about whichthe shaft assembly 823 or the rotatable structure 805 b rotate.Positioning the second shaft support 826 along or centered relative tothe rotation axis 120 can beneficially reduce deflections of shaftassembly 823 and improve the rotation of the rotatable structure 805 b.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 8B and 8C, the second shaft support 826 cancomprise or be connected with an elongate member 825 a (sometimesreferred to as a follower arm) between first and second end portions 825b, 825 c thereof. As shown in FIG. 8B, the first end portion 825 b ofthe elongate member 825 a can be supported at a first portion of thesecond support frame 865 b, and the second end portion 825 c of theelongate member 825 a can be supported at a second portion of the secondsupport frame 865 b. The first and second end portions 825 b, 825 c canbe spaced apart about a periphery of the airflow opening 829 (e.g.,disposed on generally opposite sides of the airflow opening 329, asillustrated in FIG. 8B). Other configurations are possible, such as thefirst and second end portions 825 b, 825 c need not be directly oppositeand may be disposed anywhere about the periphery of the airflow opening829.

Without subscribing to any scientific theory, rigidly supporting thesecond end 836 of the shaft assembly 823, in addition to supporting thefirst end 833, can beneficially control transverse loading on the shaftassembly 823 and can reduce or eliminate deflections of the shaftassembly 823 (e.g., due to vibrations resulting from wear or imbalanceof the rotatable structure 805 b). However, since the elongate member825 a may be disposed across part of or the entire airflow opening 829,the elongate member 825 may interfere with the influent air entering thefan assembly 800 b through the airflow opening 829. Furthermore, theelongate member 825 a may interfere with displaying the image, by forexample blocking a subset of the light emitted by the light fieldsub-displays 101 which may be disposed on part of the rotatablestructure 805 a, such as fan blades 802 a. Accordingly, some embodimentsmay include additional instructions in the memory 114 of the controlsystem 110 configured to cause the hardware processor 112 to account forthe interference. For example, the control system 110 may be configuredto drive a first subset of light field sub-displays 101 corresponding toa region of the airflow opening 829 absent of the elongate member 825 inaccordance with the image data, while turning off or otherwise notoperating a second subset of light field sub-displays 101 correspondingelongate member. In embodiments where the light field sub-displays 101would periodically pass underneath elongate member 825 a duringrotation, control system 110 may be configured to correspondinglyaccommodate for this light path interruption. For example, light fieldsub-displays can be controlled to turn off at times or positionscorresponding to times or positions when the light field sub-displaysare underneath the elongate member 825.

In another embodiment (e.g., FIGS. 11-13A), the control system 110 maybe configured to drive a first region of a display 1000 corresponding toa region of the airflow opening 829 absent of the elongate member 825,while turning off or otherwise not operating a second region of thedisplay corresponding elongate member. Other configurations arepossible. For example, the size of the image displayed by the lightfield sub-displays may be reduced to an exposed area of the airflowopening (not shown). In another embodiment, the light field sub-displays101 corresponding to a single fan blade 802 a, 802 b may be drivenseparately from the other fan blades or a determined subset of lightfield sub-displays 101 on each fan blade. In another embodiment, thefirst and second subset of light field sub-displays 101 may be drivenbased on an exposed region of the fan blades 802 a,b, for example, ifthe housing or other element extends within the airflow opening or overa portion of the blades or rotating components.

FIGS. 9A-9C illustrate various examples of a fan assembly (e.g., fanassembly 800 a, 800 b, collectively referred to hereinafter as “800”)that may be included in a display apparatus as described above in FIG.8A. The following description is made with reference to fan assembly800; however, any fan assembly 800 may be representative of fan assembly800 a, 800 b or any other fan assembly in accordance with embodimentsherein. Furthermore, reference will be made to, for example, fan blades802, motor 804, and rotatable structure 805, which may be representativeof fan blades 802 a, 802 b; motor 804 a 804 b; and rotatable structure805 a, 805 b, respectively. Other reference numbers will be referencedin a similar manner. This is for illustrative purposes only and notintended to be a limitation. The embodiments and concepts describedherein may be applied to any fan blade, motor, rotatable structure, orfan assembly, for example but not limiting, fan assembly 800 b of FIGS.8B and 8C.

Returning to FIGS. 9A-9C, one or more fan blades 802 may comprise aplurality of light field sub-displays 101 arranged in differentconfigurations along the fan blades 802 (the support 830, housing 865,and control system 110 are not shown). As used herein, each fan blade802 may be indicative of an example elongated element 102 of FIG. 1. Forexample, FIG. 8A illustrates a rotatable structure 805 that comprisesthree fan blades 802. Similar to elongated elements 102 a of FIG. 5A,each fan blade 802 includes a plurality of light field sub-displays 101arranged in a 1×m array of light field sub-displays 101 (where m is thenumber of light field sub-displays along the length of the fan blade802). In certain embodiments, n×m arrays of light field sub-displays canbe used to cover as much or as little of the fan blade as desired. Otherconfigurations and types of light sources can also be used.

FIG. 9B illustrates another example of a rotatable structure 805comprising three fan blades 802 having another arrangement of lightfield sub-displays 101 thereon. Each fan blade 802 may comprise aplurality of edges forming the contour of the fan blade 802. Theplurality of edges may comprise a leading edge 803 a, a radial edge 803b, and a following edge 803 c (collectively hereinafter “edges 803”).One or more edges 803 of the fan blades 802 may comprise a plurality oflight field sub-displays disposed along the length of the edge. Forexample, FIG. 9B illustrates a plurality of light field sub-displays 101disposed along the leading edge 803 a. Other configurations arepossible, for example, the plurality of light field sub-displays 101 maybe disposed along the following edge 803 c, the radial edge 803 b, or acombination of one or more edges 803.

FIG. 9C illustrates another example of a rotatable structure 805comprising a plurality of fan blades 802 having another arrangement oflight field sub-displays 101 thereon. As illustrated in FIG. 9C, the fanblades 802 may comprise a plurality of light field sub-displays 101arranged in an array corresponding to a portion of a surface of the fanblades 802. The surface of the fan blades 802 may correspond to theviewing direction (e.g., a fiducial viewing direction along rotationalaxis 120, as shown in FIG. 8A). The light field sub-displays 101 may bearranged in a pattern or orderly array as illustrated in FIG. 9C. Inanother embodiment, the light field sub-displays 101 may be arranged inany configuration, e.g., a randomized or disordered arrangement. Thearrangement of the light field sub-displays 101 may be varied based onthe particular application of the fan assembly 800.

FIG. 9D illustrates another example fan assembly 800 for displaying aperceived 3-D representation of the image 810. FIG. 9D illustrates a fanassembly 800 that may be substantially similar to the fan assembly 800of FIG. 9A. In addition, the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9D comprisesa three-dimensional geometric component configured to facilitate thedisplay of the image 810. The geometric component may comprise atransparent or translucent material (e.g., plastic, glass, etc.) and canbe configured to reflect light from the light field sub-displays 101 (orlight sources in some embodiments) to produce the image 810. Forexample, as illustrated in FIG. 9D, a geometric component 910 havingpyramid shape and made of transparent material may be positioned betweenthe observer (e.g., observer 820) and the fan assembly 800. Light fromthe light sources on board the fan assembly 800 may be reflected by thegeometric component 910 to produce one or more 2-D images. The imagesmay be viewed by the observer and appear to be a 3-D representation ofthe image 810 hovering above the fan assembly 800 and contained withinthe geometric component 910. Other arrangements are possible (e.g., aninverted geometric component 910). Furthermore, the geometric component910 may be used in conjunction with any other embodiment disclosedherein. In some embodiments, the geometric component 910 may be aplurality of planar surfaces joined together to create a pyramidalshape; alternatively, a solid geometric component 910 may be used.

While specific configurations are described above, these are intended tobe illustrative only. Other configurations are possible. For example,FIGS. 9A-9D illustrate an arrangement of three equally spaced fan blades802; however, the fan blades 802 need not be equally spaced, but mayhave any spacing therebetween. Furthermore, there need not be three fanblades 802, any number of fan blades 802 (e.g., 1, 2, 4, 5, etc.). Insome embodiments, a plurality of light field sub-displays 101 may bedisposed over the motor 104 (e.g., on a cover or hub assembly (notshown). Also, while FIGS. 9A-9D illustrate symmetric arrangements oflight field sub-displays 101 on each fan blade 802, this is not arequirement and each fan blade 802 may comprise any combination ofarrangements of light fields sub-displays.

Example Planar Display Apparatus

FIG. 10 is a perspective view that schematically illustrates anotherexample display apparatus 1100. FIG. 10 illustrates an example of adisplay apparatus 1000 (e.g., a flat screen or planar television, inthis example) comprising a plurality of light sources 1001. The display1000 may be configured to display an image an object either as a 2-Dimage (e.g., a planar television) or a 3-D image (e.g., stereoscopicimages or light field image displays). The display apparatus 1000includes a display panel 1005 surrounded by a bezel 1015. The displaypanel 1005 can comprise an array of light sources 1001 disposed on aviewing surface of the display panel 1005 and configured to be viewed ata fiducial viewing direction 1020. In some embodiments, the displaypanel may comprise a 1-D or 2-D array of light sources 1001, forexample, the 11 x 11 array of light sources illustrated in FIG. 10. Thefiducial viewing direction 1020 can be perpendicular to the plane of thedisplay panel 1005. The fiducial viewing direction 1020 thus points inthe direction of a viewer who is positioned directly in front of thedisplay. In some embodiments (e.g., FIG. 11) the fiducial viewingdirection 1020 may be substantially the parallel to the rotation axis120. The display 1000 may comprise an optional base or stand (not shown)to provide structural support and secure the display 1000 in a position(e.g., horizontal as shown in FIG. 11 or vertical) relative to otherdevices and systems described throughout this disclosure. While FIG. 10depict a 11×11 light source array, it will be understood that this isfor illustrative purposes and any other number or dimension n×m (n, m=1,2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 20, 30, 64, 100, 512, 768, 1024, 1280, 1920, 3840, orany other integer).

The display 1000 may be in wired or wireless communication with acontrol system (e.g., control system 110 of FIG. 1). The control systemmay be configured to control the light emitted from the display 1000 inaccordance with the disclosure herein. With reference to FIG. 11, onepossible manner in which displaying a 3-D representation of an objectcan be accomplished is that the multiple light sources 1001 may be lightfield sub-displays (e.g., FIGS. 2A-4B) configured to anisotropicallydirect light into an array of light beams that propagate at differentoutgoing angles to generate a light field image. A fan assembly 800disposed relative to the display 1000 may then interact with the lightto generate the 3-D image (e.g., by modulating the light or includingother optical components to otherwise direct the light to form the 3-Dimage). However, other configurations are possible. For example, thelight sources 1001 may comprise liquid crystals (LC), light emittingdiodes (LEDs), organic LEDs (OLEDs), or any other type of pixelstructure configured to emit light for rendering an image. Other lightsources may include lasers, fiber optics, or any structure configured toemit light that may be manipulated to render an image. In someembodiments, the display 1000 may comprise a spatial light modulatorconfigured to spatially or temporally change the perceived intensity ofthe light projected from the display 1000. Examples of spatial lightmodulators include liquid crystal displays (LCD) including a liquidcrystal on silicon (LCOS) displays and digital light processing (DLP)displays. In some embodiments, the light sources 1001 may be configuredto emit a plurality of colors for use in rendering images (e.g., red,green, and blue; cyan, magenta, and yellow; etc.). The display 1000 mayinclude lenses, waveguides, diffractive or reflective elements, baffles,or other optical elements to guide, direct, or focus light from thelight sources toward or onto a rotatable structure such as, e.g., bladesof a fan.

Example Apparatus for Displaying Images with Lights Directed toward aFan Assembly

While FIGS. 8A-9D show examples of the display apparatus 100 comprisinga fan assembly 800 having fan blades 802 comprising a plurality of lightfield sub-displays 101 disposed thereon, the display apparatus 100 canbe configured differently in other embodiments. As described above, itmay be advantages to control transverse loads of applied to componentsof the fan assembly to reduce noise and vibrations, and to mitigate therisks of fatigue, wear, or excessive loading conditions. Withoutsubscribing to any scientific theory, additional structures (such aslight sources) disposed on the propellers (e.g., FIGS. 1 and 5A-5F) orfan blades (e.g., FIGS. 9A-9D) may result in added weight and airflowresistance drawbacks affecting the rotation of the fan (e.g., inducingadditional noise or vibration).

Accordingly, it may be advantageous to provide a display apparatus 100comprising a rotatable structure that does not include light sourcesdisposed thereon (e.g., on the fan blades or propellers). In someembodiments, a light source may be disposed relative to the rotatablestructure (e.g., rotatable structures 105, 805) and configured toilluminate a portion of a surface of the rotatable structure. Therotatable structure can be configured to redirect the light (e.g.,reflect, refract, transmit, or otherwise manipulate) to produce an imagerepresentative of an object. In some embodiments, the rotatablestructure may comprise fan blades having a contoured shape configuredanisotropically direct light into an array of light beams that propagateat different outgoing angles to generate an image. The image maycomprise a 2-D image or a 3-D image. FIGS. 11-13B illustrate some of theembodiments of a display apparatus 100 in accordance with the disclosureherein, however, other configurations are possible. Unless otherwisenoted, the components of the display apparatus 100 of FIGS. 11-13B mayinclude components that are similar to like numbered components shown inFIGS. 8-9D. Such configurations may also provide a non-limitingadvantage of reducing added heat generated by the operation of the lightsources 101. In some embodiments, the light sources 101 are configuredto produce light having a narrow dispersion or spreading (which may alsobe referred to as directional). In one embodiment, the light sources 101may comprise an LED and a lens configured to focus light on to a surfaceof the rotatable structure. In another embodiment, the light sources 101may comprise a plurality of lasers. In some embodiments, a light sourceconfigured to produce directional light (e.g., via a laser or viaoptical elements such as lenses that may focus light) may result in animproved image resolution based in part on the reduction of thedispersion of the light beam or focusing of the light beam onto at leasta portion of the rotatable structure.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view that schematically illustrates an exampledisplay apparatus 100. In this embodiment, the display apparatuscomprises a fan assembly (for example, fan assembly 800 b of FIG. 8B), adisplay (e.g., display 1000 of FIG. 10), and a control system 110. Thefan assembly 800 b comprises the first support 865 a, hub 827 b, androtatable structure 805 b. For illustrative purposes, the second support865 b and other components of fan assembly 800 b (see, e.g., FIGS. 8Cand 8C) are not shown in FIG. 11. However, these components may beoptionally included as desired for the particular implementation of thedisplay apparatus.

The display 1000 is positioned relative to the fan assembly 800 b. Forexample, FIG. 11 shows the display 1000 disposed a distance away fromthe fan assembly 800 b along the fiducial viewing direction 1020 (FIG.10). In some embodiments, the fiducial viewing direction 1020 may besubstantially parallel to the rotation axis 120. As described above inconnection to FIG. 10, the display 1000 may comprise a plurality oflight sources 101 configured to emit light (illustrated as a pluralityof light rays 1040) generally towards the fan assembly 800 b. Forexample, the light sources 101 may comprise LEDs that emit light of aplurality of colors toward the rotatable structure 805 b. In someembodiments, the display 1000 may be also be rotated about the same or aseparate rotation axis, which may be substantially parallel to thefiducial viewing direction 1020.

The rotatable structure 805 b comprises a plurality of fan blades 802 b.Each fan blade 802 b may comprise a plurality of surfaces 807, forexample a proximal surface 807 a, a first side surface 807 b, a secondside surface 807 c, and a distal surface 807 d. The light from thedisplay 1000 is incident on one or more surfaces 807 (e.g., proximalsurface 807 a in the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 11). The surface807 a of FIG. 11 may be designed to have a contoured or angled shapeconfigured to anisotropically direct light into an array of light beamsthat propagate at different outgoing angles to generate an image (e.g.,as described above in connection with FIGS. 3A-3C). For example, theshape of the surface 807 a may be designed to have a depth and contouredshape to direct one or more light rays 1040 into different directions togenerate an image.

As described above, the fan assembly 800 b or display 1000 may be inwired or wireless communication with control system 110. The controlsystem 110 comprises a memory (e.g., memory 114) storing instructionsthat when executed by a processor (e.g., processor 112) are configuredto drive the display 1000 so as to emit light indicative of a desiredimage; drive the rotatable structure 805 b so as to rotate at a desiredrate of rotation; and generate an image based on the light 1040 that maybe redirected by the fan blades 802 b (e.g., reflected, transmitted,refracted, or other methods of optically redirecting light incidentthereon).

While FIG. 11 illustrates the display apparatus 100 comprising the fanassembly 800 b, other configurations as possible. For example, the fanassembly 800 b may be exchanged with fan assembly 800 a of FIG. 8A orany other fan assembly type as described above. Reference to fanassembly 800 b was for illustrative purposes only and not intended to bea limitation.

FIGS. 12A-12C schematically illustrate various examples of the displayapparatus 100. The display apparatus 100 of FIGS. 12A-12C aresubstantially similar to the display apparatus 100 of FIG. 11, exceptthat FIGS. 12A-12C illustrate the display apparatus 100 comprising thefan assembly 800 a. Accordingly, the description above for FIG. 11applies equally to FIGS. 12A-12C unless otherwise indicated. Forexample, FIG. 12A depicts the display apparatus 100 comprising the fanassembly 800 a. While reference is made to fan assembly 800 a, thedescription herein may apply equally to the fan assembly 800 b of FIG.8B. As described above in connection with FIG. 8A, the shape of the fanblades 800 a may be optimized based on a plurality of parametersdiscussed above. In some embodiments, the shape may also be configuredsuch that one or more light rays of the light 1040 travels a differentdistance to reach a corresponding position on the fan blade 802 a thananother light ray travels to reach its corresponding position on the fanblade 802 a (e.g., each light ray may travel a different distance).

FIG. 12B illustrates an embodiment of the display apparatus 100comprising a display 1200 configured to illuminate the fan assembly 800a. The display 1200 may similar to display 1000 and comprises a lightemitter 1220 producing light 1240, a beamsplitter 1215 and a lightmodulator 1210. The light 1240 from the light emitter 1220 may bedirected to and modified by a light modulator 1210, e.g., a spatiallight modulator, via a beam splitter 1215. The light modulator 1210 maybe configured to spatially or temporally change the perceived intensityof the light directed to the fan assembly 800 a, via beamsplitter 1215.Examples of spatial light modulators include liquid crystal displays(LCD) including a liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) displays. The lightemitter 1220 may be device or system configured to emit light, forexample, LED, lasers, lamp sources, etc. Also illustrated in FIG. 12B(and applicable in any of the embodiments described in the presentdisclosure) are fan blades 802 a comprising a plurality of opticalelements 1201 disposed on or formed in the fan blades 802 a. Forexample, the optical elements 1201 may comprise reflective ordiffractive elements configured to direct light incident thereon. Insome embodiments, the optical elements may comprise micro-lenses ormicro-mirrors configured produce a light field for generating a 3-Drepresentation of an image. Other configurations are possible.

FIG. 12C depicts a display assembly 100 that may be substantiallysimilar to the display apparatus 100 of FIG. 12A. Additionally, FIG. 12Cdepicts a plurality of light sources 1202 disposed at a central regionof the rotatable structure 805 a. The light sources 1202 may besubstantially similar to light sources 101 and positioned within adesired area of the rotation axis of the rotatable structure 805 a. Insome embodiments, the light sources 1202 may be disposed on a hub 827 aor along the rotation axis relative to the motor 804 a. In someembodiments, the light sources 1202 may comprise light fieldsub-displays (e.g., FIGS. 2A-4B) and may be configured to produce alight field for generating a 3-D image. Without subscribing to ascientific theory, such a configuration in conjunction with the display1000 may enhance the 3-D effect while minimizing drawbacks related toadding structure to the fan blades 802 a. While FIG. 12C illustrates thelight sources 1202 at a specific location, other configurations arepossible. For example, light sources 1202 may be disposed on a surfaceof the fan blades 802 a as described above or may be contained within adifferent portion of rotatable structure 805 a to minimize the number oflight sources 1202 added to the fan blades.

While FIGS. 12A-12B illustrate the display apparatus 100 comprising thefan assembly 800 a, other configurations as possible. For example, thefan assembly 800 a may be exchanged with fan assembly 800 b of FIG. 8Bor any other fan assembly type as described above. Reference to fanassembly 800 a was for illustrative purposes only and not intended to bea limitation.

FIGS. 13A and 13B schematically illustrate examples of the displayapparatus 100 comprising a centrifugal fan 1300 (e.g., a squirrel-cagefan). FIG. 13A illustrates a display apparatus 100 that may besubstantially similar to the display apparatus of FIG. 11. However, acentrifugal fan 1300 may be included extending along the X-axis. Thecentrifugal fan 1300 comprises a cage housing 1360 and a rotatablestructure 1305 extending in along the X-axis. Cage housing 1360 orrotatable structure 1305 may have a circular, an elliptical, or anyother desired cross-sectional shape. A motor 1304 drives the rotatablestructure 1305 so as to rotate about the rotation axis 120, which may besubstantially parallel to the X-axis. In some embodiments, the rotatablestructure comprises a plurality of fan blades 1302 also extending inalong the X-axis. Accordingly, air flow due to rotation of the fanblades may be in a direction substantially perpendicular to or radiallyoutward from the axis of rotation 102.

The display 1000 may be disposed relative to the centrifugal fan 1300along a direction at an angle relative to the rotation axis (e.g., adirection that is non-parallel to the rotation axis). For example, FIG.13A illustrates the display 1000 parallel to centrifugal fan 1300 in adirection perpendicular to the rotation axis 120 (e.g., the Y-axis inthis example). Other relative angles are possible. Accordingly, light1040 emitted by the display is directed toward the fan blades 1302,which are configured to anisotropically direct light into an array oflight beams that propagate at different outgoing angles to generate animage, in accordance with the disclosure herein. Without subscribing toany scientific theory, the centrifugal fan embodiment of FIG. 13A mayenhance a 3-D effect because while the rotatable structure 1305 isrotated a subset of fan blades 1302 may approach the light 1305 whileanother subset of fan blades 1302 recede from the light, therebycontrolling the direction that incident light is directed to form theimage. While FIG. 13A illustrates the display 1000 positioned along theY-axis, other configurations are possible. For example, the display 1000may be positioned anywhere within a sphere encompassing the centrifugalfan, such that the display 1000 is not positioned normal to the axis ofrotation.

FIG. 13B schematically illustrates a side view of an example centrifugalfan 1350 for use in a display apparatus in accordance with theembodiments herein. The centrifugal fan 1350 may be substantiallysimilar to the centrifugal fan 1300, unless otherwise noted. Forexample, centrifugal fan 1350 comprises a rotatable structure 1355disposed within a housing 1365 and extending in a direction parallel tothe centrifugal fan 1350 and configured to be rotated in a directionsimilar to that centrifugal fan 1300 (e.g., along the rotation axis 120in a rotation direction 1320). The rotatable structure 1355 comprisesfan blades 1352 that are similarly structured as the fan blades 1302 ofFIG. 13A. However, the fan blades 1352 comprise a plurality of lightsources 101 disposed thereon. For illustrative purposes, FIG. 13B showsthe fan blades 1352 comprising a circular configuration of the lightsources 101 that can alternate between different colors, for instance,red, blue, and green light sources (e.g., LEDs). Other configurationsare possible. In some embodiments, the light sources 101 may be lightfield sub-displays as described above. Thus, the control system 110 maybe configured to rotate the centrifugal fan 1350 and drive the lightsources 101 so as to display an image in a manner similar to thatdescribed in connection with the various embodiments herein. Withoutsubscribing to a scientific theory, providing light sources 101 on thefan blades 1352 may improve the image quality or 3-D effect and widenthe field of view, because the light sources on respective sides of thefan approach or recede from the reflector 1370.

In some embodiments, the housing 1365 may comprise one or more portionshaving different optical properties. For example, FIG. 13B illustratesan embodiment of housing 1365 comprising a translucent portion 1365 aand an at least partially opaque portion 1365 b of housing 1365. Thetranslucent portion 1365 a may comprise any translucent, transparent, orsemitransparent material. In some embodiments, the translucent portion1365 a may comprise a cage portion having alternating openings andopaque regions. In some embodiments, the translucent portion 1365 a maycomprise a transparent portion made of, for example, glass, plastic orother transparent material. The opaque portion 1365 b may be configuredto at least partially block, filter, reflect, or absorb a subset oflight emitted by the light sources 101. While a specific arrangement ofthe portions 1365 a, 1365 b are illustrated in FIG. 13B, otherconfigurations are possible. For example, a plurality of opaque portionsmay be interposed between translucent portions.

A reflector 1370 may also be disposed relative to the centrifugal fan1352 and configured to direct light from light sources 101 to desiredpositions for rendering the image. As shown in FIG. 13B, the reflectormay comprise a concave reflector disposed on a side of the centrifugalfan 1352 opposite of an observer. In such an arrangement, lightprojected away from the observer may be redirected to enhance the imagequality or 3-D effect of the representation. The reflector 1352 maycomprise any reflective material or a surface having a reflectivecoating disposed thereon. While a specific arrangement is shown in FIG.13B, other configurations are possible. For example, the reflector 1370may be convex or any other shape desired for a particular application.The reflector 1370 can have a shape that is cylindrical, ellipsoidal, orparaboloidal, which may help direct or focus light to a desired point ordirection. The reflector 1370 need not be disposed on the same side asthe opaque portion 1365 b, but may be positioned anywhere relative tothe centrifugal fan 1352.

While specific configurations and arrangements of a display apparatus100 have been described with reference to the figures throughout thisapplication, other configurations are possible. For example, in any ofthe above described configurations, additional optical elements may bedisposed within or between the various components of the displayapparatus 100 to manipulate, direct, and control the light as itpropagates from the light sources 101 to the image or observer.

Example Routine for Displaying a Representation of an Image

FIG. 14 is a flow diagram of an illustrative routine for displaying arepresentation of an image using the display apparatus described herein.In some embodiments, the representation may comprise a 3-D or 2-D imageof an object, operational indicator, or other pictorial depiction. Theroutine 1400 is an example flow for processing image data andilluminating light sources to display a representation of an object orimage. For example, in embodiments of the display apparatus describedherein comprising light field sub-displays, the routine 1400 may be anexample flow for processing light field image data and illuminatinglight field sub-displays to display a 3-D representation of an object orimage. The routine 1400 may be performed by the control system 110 ofembodiments of the display apparatus 100.

The routine 1400 starts at the block 1410 and then moves to the block1420, where the control system drives a rotatable structure (e.g.,rotatable structures 105, 805, 1305, etc.) by a motor (e.g., motor 104,805, 1304, etc.) such that the rotatable structure is rotated aboutrotation axis 120 along the path (e.g., rotation path 103 or 1303) at arotation rate. In some embodiments (e.g., FIGS. 1, 5A-5G, 8A-9D, and13B), as a result of the motor driving the rotatable structure, thelight field sub-displays included on the rotatable structure areassociated with a position based on a rotation angle as a function oftime. In other embodiments (e.g., FIGS. 11-13A), as a result of themotor driving the rotatable structure, the display emits light onto therotatable structure at corresponding positions based on a rotation angleas a function of time. For a constant rotation rate, the rotation angleis the rotation rate multiplied by time plus an initial rotation angle(at time=0). In some embodiments the rotation rate may be based, inpart, on the arrangement of the rotatable structure (e.g., the number ofor spatial arrangement of the elongated elements, or the sub-displaysdisposed on the rotatable structure). The rotation rate may also bebased, in part, on the object to be displayed and the number of renderedframes of the object to be represented by the display apparatus 100. Forexample, an increase in the rotation rate may correspond to an increasein the image quality (e.g., a higher refresh rate). As described above,the rotation rate can be sufficiently fast that the human visual systemdoes not perceive the elongated elements.

The routine 1400 continues to the block 1430, where the image data isaccessed, for example, from the memory 114 or another separate or remotestorage unit. In some embodiments, the image data may comprise a 2-Drepresentation of an object to be displayed. The image data may beindicative of a one or more rendered frames and comprise data indicativeof a color of light to be directed to a particular position. In someimplementations, the image may be a light field representation of anobject to be displayed. The light field image may comprise multiplerendered frames. Each rendered frame may comprise a representation ofthe object to be displayed at different viewing directions. In this way,the multiple rendered frames are each associated with a viewingdirection of the object. In other implementations, the images of theobject may be sequenced so that the object appears to be moving inspace. In this case, the accessed light field image may include multiplelight field images, where each light field image is a single frame of avideo.

The routine 1400 continues to the block 1440, wherein the image data ismapped to the light sources. For example, the control system 110 of FIG.1 may execute instructions to generate an association or mapping of theaccessed image data to each of the light sources based, in part, on therotation angle of the display apparatus. In some embodiments, eachrendered frame of the light field image may be mapped to the pixels(e.g., a given light source or a micro-lens of FIG. 2A and 2B in someembodiments implementing light field sub-displays) of the light sources.The mapping may be based in part on the rotation rate or rotation angleof the rotatable structure as a function of time. The mapping of theimage data may also include determining a color and intensity of lightto be emitted at the viewing direction associated with the renderedframe to be displayed by the mapped pixel (e.g., a light source ormicro-lens of FIGS. 2A and 2B) of the light source. In some embodiments,the light source may comprise a light field sub-display and the imagedata may comprise light field image data.

In embodiments comprising a display 1000 separate from the rotatablestructure, the image data can be mapped to positions on the rotatablestructure corresponding to the emitted light. For example, the controlsystem 110 of FIG. 1 may execute instructions to generate an associationor mapping of the accessed image data to each of the position on therotatable structure based, in part, on the rotation angle of therotatable structure and a relative position between the light source andcorresponding position. In some embodiments, each rendered frame of theimage data may be mapped to the pixels (e.g., a corresponding positionand associated light source). The mapping may be based in part on therotation rate or rotation angle of the rotatable structure as a functionof time. In some embodiments, the mapping may include an association ofpositions of light sources on a display in relation to the position ofthe rotatable structure as a function of time.

In one embodiment, the mapping of the image data to the light fieldsub-displays may be performed according to a routine detailed below inconnection with FIG. 15.

The routine 1400 continues to the block 1450, where the light sourcesare illuminated. For example, the light sources may be illuminatedbased, at least in part, on the mapped image data. In embodimentscomprising light field sub-displays, the control system 110 of FIG. 1may execute instructions to cause the light field sub-displays to beilluminated based, in part, on the mapped light field image data and therotation angle as a function of time of the rotatable structure. In oneimplementation, the light field sub-displays may be modulated (e.g.,turned on and off) as a function of time and based in part on therendered frame. For example, as the position of a light fieldsub-display is moved due to the rotation of the rotatable structure, therendered frame to be represented may be changed and the light fieldsub-display may be switched between the multiple rendered frames (e.g.,strobed).

In embodiments comprising light sources, the control system 110 of FIG.1 may execute instructions to cause the light sources to be illuminatedbased, in part, on the mapped image data and the rotation angle as afunction of time of the rotatable structure. In one implementation, thelight sources may be modulated (e.g., turned on and off) as a functionof time and based in part on the rendered frame. For example, as theposition of a light source is moved relative to the rotatable structuredue to the rotation of the rotatable structure, the rendered frame to berepresented may be changed and the light sources may be switched betweenthe multiple rendered frames (e.g., strobed).

In one embodiment, the illumination of the light sources may beperformed according to a routine detailed below in connection with FIG.16. Thereafter, at the block 1460, the routine 1400 ends.

In various embodiments, the routine 1400 may be performed by a hardwareprocessor (e.g., the hardware processor 112 of control system 110 ofFIG. 1) of a display apparatus 100 of FIG. 1. In other embodiments, aremote computing device (in network communication with the displayapparatus) with computer-executable instructions can cause the displayapparatus to perform aspects of the routine 1400.

Example Routine for Mapping Image Data to Light Sources

FIG. 15 is a flow diagram of an illustrative routine for mapping imagedata to light sources. Routine 1500 may be one example of one methodthat hardware processor 112 of control system 110 of FIG. 1 or a remotecomputing device may map the image data to each of the light sourcesbased, at least in part, on the rotation angle of rotatable structure.

The routine 1500 starts at the block 1510 and then moves to the block1520, where one or more rendered frames of the image data are retrieved.For example, at the block 1520 of routine 1500 the image data isaccessed from the digital memory 114 of control system 110. In someembodiments, the image data may comprise light field image data, wherethe light field image may include multiple rendered frames. Eachrendered frame may be indicative of a different view of the plurality ofdifferent views of the object. Furthermore, the rendered frames maycomprise multiple rendered pixels that may be combined to represent theimage of the object to be displayed. The routine continues to subroutine1530 for each rendered pixel of a rendered frame.

For each rendered pixel, the subroutine 1530 proceeds to the block 1540,where the position of a given rendered pixel is retrieved. Each renderedpixel may have a position within the rendered frame. For example, therendered frame may comprise a 2-D representation of the object for agiven viewing direction, and each rendered pixel may have a coordinate(e.g., X and Y coordinates) position within that rendered frame. In someembodiments, each rendered frame of the image data may include the samenumber of rendered pixels, such that the positions of rendered pixelsare constant from rendered frame to rendered frame.

At the block 1550, light source positions are determined as a functionof time based at least partly on the rotation rate (as a function oftime) of the rotatable structure. In some embodiments, light fieldsub-display positions are determined as a function of time based atleast partly on the rotation rate of the rotatable structure. In someembodiments, the light source may be separate from the rotatablestructure. Accordingly, at block 1550 the position that light isincident on the rotatable structure may be determined as a function timebased at least partly on the rotation rate (as a function of time) ofthe rotatable structure. In some embodiments, the position may also bebased on the position of the light source relative to the rotatablestructure as a function of time based on the rotation rate of therotatable structure.

At the block 1560, each rendered pixel position of a given renderedpixel can be associated with a light source position. In someembodiments, as described above, the position of a rendered pixel (u)may be associated with a light source position on the rotatablestructure (z) as a function of time (t), where the position of eachlight source is based on the rotation angle as a function of time. Insome embodiments, the position of a rendered pixel (u) may be associatedwith a position that light is incident on the rotatable structure (z) asa function of time (t), where the position of each light source is basedon the rotation angle as a function of time. In some embodiments wherethe number and position of the rendered pixels is unchanged betweenrendered frames, the association may be constant for any rendered frameof the light field image. At block 1570, the routine 1500 can generate(and store) a data structure (e.g., a look up table (LUT)) thatassociates rendered pixels with light field sub-display positions.Multiple display apparatuses may be able to access the same lookup tableso as to synchronize the image displayed by the multiple displayapparatus located apart or physically separate from each other. At theblock 1580, the routine ends.

Example Routine for Illuminating the Light Sources

FIG. 16 is a flow diagram of an illustrative routine for illuminatingthe light sources of a display apparatus (e.g., the display apparatus100 of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure). Routine1600 may be one example of a method that hardware processor 112 ofcontrol system 110 of FIG. 1 or a remote computing device that can beused to illuminate the light sources based at least in part on themapped image data. In some embodiments, the light sources may compriselight field sub-displays (e.g., FIGS. 2A and 2B) and the image data maycomprise light field image data.

The routine 1600 starts at the block 1610 and then moves to the block1620, where the image data is retrieved. The image data may berepresentative of one or more rendered frames. Each rendered frame mayinclude a color and intensity (e.g., image parameters), among otheroptical properties for rendering an image, associated with each renderedpixel of the rendered frame so as to portray the object at a viewingdirection associated with the rendered frame. In some embodiments, thecolor and intensity may be configured to produce an appearance of depthin the image (e.g., by varying the intensity or color of light producedby a light source to render an image). As described above, the imagedata may include light field image data comprising multiple renderedframes representing different viewing directions. The multiple renderedframes may include one or more of the above described optical propertiesfor rendering an image. The routine 1600 continues to subroutine 1630for each rendered frame.

For each rendered frame, the subroutine 1630 proceeds to the block 1640,where translated rendered pixel positions are determined. The translatedrendered pixel positions may relate to the positions of the renderedpixels translated to a position of the associated light source orposition on the rotatable structure that light is incident upon, forexample, as determined in routine 1500 of FIG. 15. In some embodiments,the determination of translated rendered pixel positions may beperformed by accessing a data structure (e.g., data structure generatedin the block 1560 of FIG. 15).

At the block 1650, a color and intensity of light to be emitted by thelight source is determined based, at least in part, on the renderedframe to be displayed. In one implementation, the color and intensitymay be defined by the rendered pixel to be displayed by a light source.

For example, each rendered frame may comprise a 2-D representation of animage. Each pixel (e.g., each LED) of an array of light sources (e.g.,display 1000 or light source disposed on the rotatable structure) may beassociated with a direction of emitting light based on the position fromwhich light emanates from the rotatable structure, which may be mappedto a given rendered pixel. Thus, each pixel or position on the rotatablestructure may be associated with a given viewing direction at anyinstance in time. Based on this association, it can be possible todetermine which rendered pixel of the rendered frame will be associatedwith a position on the rotatable structure. From this association, thesubroutine 1630 may retrieve a color and intensity of the rendered pixelto determine the color and intensity of light that a given pixel of thelight source will emit based on the viewing direction of the renderedframe.

In some embodiments comprising light field sub-displays (e.g., FIGS. 2Aand 2B), each rendered frame can be associated with a viewing direction.Each pixel (e.g., pixel 205) in a pixel array 225 of a light fieldsub-display 101 may be associated with a direction of emitting lightbased on the association with a micro-lens 215 a, which may be mapped toa given rendered pixel. Thus, each pixel 205 of the pixel array 225 canbe associated with a given viewing direction at any instance in time.Based on this association, it is possible to determine which renderedpixel of the rendered frame will be associated with a given pixel 205 ofthe pixel array 225. From this association, the subroutine 1630 mayretrieve a color and intensity of the rendered pixel to determine thecolor and intensity of light that a given pixel of the light fieldsub-display 101 will emit based on the viewing direction of the renderedframe.

The subroutine 1630 continues to the block 1660, where each light sourcecan be illuminated based on the determined color and intensity, as wellas on the rotation angle of the rotatable structure. For example, as thelight source is rotated through a rotation path (e.g., rotation path103), the rendered frame to be displayed by the light source may changebased on the change in position. Accordingly, the pixels or lightsources may be illuminated or strobed (e.g., alternated or switchedbetween different rendered frames of the light field image) based on therendered frame to be displayed by a light source as the light source isrotated. Thereafter, at the block 1680, the routine 1600 ends.

Example System for Displaying Images using a Fan Assembly

FIG. 17 schematically illustrates an example display apparatus fordisplaying images using a display apparatus comprising a fan assembly.FIG. 17 illustrates a display apparatus 100 operably connected to acomputer system 1730 used by a user 1720. Unless otherwise noted, thecomponents of display apparatus 100 may include a fan assembly 800 a andother components similar to like numbered components described inconnection to the examples shown in FIGS. 8A-13B. For example, the fanassembly 800 a shown in FIG. 17 could be a desk fan (as illustrated),but the fan assembly could additionally or alternatively be a coolingfan 800 b for a computer system 1730 (or other electronic device) or awearable augmented reality display device (such as the example shown inFIG. 4C). The fan assembly 800 a may be configured to illuminate andredirect light while the fan blades 802 a are rotated. Such displays canbe used for displaying system notifications to a user 1720 indicative ofoperation states of the computer system 1730. For example, the fanassembly 800 a may be used to display a notification image 1710indicative of a battery status 1710 a (e.g., for a battery powering thefan assembly, computer system, other electronic device, or AR displaydevice), a lack of wireless connectivity (e.g., Wi-Fi or othercommunication protocol) 1710 c, a new message 1710 b (e.g., an e-mail ora text message), or an alert 1710 d (collectively hereinafter referredto as notification image 1710). The notification image 1710 may be a 2-Dor 3-D image based in part on the image data for rendering thenotification image 1710.

Referring again to FIG. 17, a computer system 1730 (e.g., a laptopcomputer in this illustrative embodiment) is illustrated operated by auser 1720 on a surface 1740 (e.g., a desk). The fan assembly 800 a canbe a desk fan positioned relative to the user 1720 (e.g., on the desk orotherwise pointed toward the user) to provide, for example, air flow tocool the user. Other types of fans may be applicable as described above.The fan assembly 800 a can be operatively coupled to the computer system1730, such as via a wired or wireless communication link (e.g., shown asa dotted line 1750). In some embodiments, the computer system 1730 mayinclude the control system 110 (e.g., link 1750 may be similar to link850 a). In other embodiments, the computer system 1730 may beoperatively coupled to the control system 110 via the communication link1750. The computer system 1730 can be configured to transmit signals tothe fan assembly 800 a via the communication link 1750. The signals maycomprise data indicative of (i) instructions for driving or illuminatingthe display apparatus in accordance with FIGS. 14-16; (ii) image datafor rendering the object or image; or (iii) information indicative ofnotifications 1710. In some embodiments, the data may be indicative ofone or more operational states of the computer system 1730, for example,a battery status for a battery powering e.g., the fan assembly 800 a,the computer system 1730, or other battery-powered component (e.g., anAR device such as shown in FIG. 4C); a connectivity state to a wirelessnetwork; or an alert of a fault in the system such as a corrupt datafile. In other embodiments, the information may be indicative of amessage (e.g., an email or instant message) intended for the user 1720;a request for an action or input by the user (e.g., a request to updatesoftware or programs included in the computer system 1730); or anynotification for the user 1720 to interpret or otherwise act upon.

The display apparatus 100 can be configured to receive the signal fromthe computer system 1730 and display an image 1710 representative of oneor more of the notifications included in the signal. For example, eachtype of notification may be associated with a notification image 1710.The data included in the signal may be indicative of the notification(or in some embodiments the signal may include the notification image1710). Where the data is transmitted without the notification image1710, the control system 110 may retrieve the image data correspondingto the associated notification image 1710. In either case, the fanassembly 800 a may be operated to display the notification image 1710based on the received data (e.g., as described above in connection toFIGS. 8A-16). Thus, as shown in FIG. 17, the fan assembly 800 a may beused to display notification images 1710 to the user. While FIG. 17illustrates multiple notification images 1710 displayed at once, this isfor illustrative purposes only and not a limitation. The fan assembly800 a may be configured to display one or more notification image 1710based on the signal received from the computer system 1730.

While a specific configuration is depicted in FIG. 17, otherconfigurations are possible. For example, while the description hereinwas made with reference to FIG. 8A, this is for illustrative purposesonly and is not intended as a limitation. Any of the display apparatusdescribed in the present disclosure may be used in place of displayapparatus 100. For example, the display apparatus 100 may comprise a fanassembly 800 b of FIG. 4C, FIG. 8B or any of the fan assembliesdescribed herein. Furthermore, the fan assembly may be part of thecomputer system 1730 (e.g., a fan assembly configured to cool electricalor mechanical components of the computer system 1730). The fan assemblymay also include any type of fan assembly, for example, a ceiling fan, abox fan, an engine turbine, etc.

FIG. 17 illustrates the computer system 1730 as a laptop forillustrative purposes only, and other computer systems may be equallyapplicable. The computer system 1730 may be any system comprising ahardware process for executing instructions in a memory. For example,the computer system 1730 may comprise a component of a head mountedaugmented reality display (e.g., the local processing and data module 70of FIG. 4C) a a video game system, a mobile cellular telephone, etc. Insome embodiments, the computer system 1730 may be operably coupled to amechanical component (e.g., an engine or propeller of an aerial vehicle)and the notifications 1710 may provide operational states of themechanical components (e.g., information for controlling the vehicle,heat states, pressure states, etc.). Furthermore, the display apparatus100 need not be coupled to only one computer system 1730, but may becoupled to a plurality of computer systems 1730 and configured todisplay one or more notification images 1710 corresponding to any one ormore of the plurality of computer systems 1730.

Example Routine for Mapping Image Data to Light Sources

FIG. 18 is a process flow diagram of an example method of displaying animage using a display apparatus comprising a fan assembly. For example,the process flow 1800 may be used to display the notification image 1710of FIG. 17. The routine 1800 is an example flow for processing imagedata and illuminating light sources to display a representation of animage. The routine 1400 may be performed by the control system 110 ofembodiments of the display apparatus 100. In some embodiments, thedisplay system 100 may be operably coupled to one or more computersystems (e.g., computer system 1730 of FIG. 17).

The routine 1800 starts at block 1810 and then moves to block 1820,where a fan assembly is provided in communication with a computersystem. For example, a fan assembly 800 a (or any other fan assemblydescribed herein) may be provided as part of a display apparatus 100 andoperably coupled to a computer system 1730 (e.g., FIG. 17).

The routine 1800 continues to block 1830, where a notification of thesystem is determined. For example, a computer system can be configuredto determine one or more notifications (e.g., as described above inconnection to FIG. 17). In some embodiments, the computer system may beconfigured to monitor an operational state (e.g., battery status,connectivity status, temperature status, etc.) and store the status in amemory. In other embodiments, the computer system may be configured todetect or receive signals indicative of one or more notifications (e.g.,an alert, notification to update software thereon, received message,etc.).

The routine 1800 continues to block 1840, where the notification iscommunicated to a controller. In some embodiments, the notification iscommunicated via wired or wireless communication links to a controlsystem of the display apparatus (e.g. control system 100). In otherembodiments, the display apparatus may be controlled by the computersystem, which may communicate the notification to a local applicationconfigured to drive the display apparatus. In some embodiments, thecomputer system may be configured to transmit a signal indicative of thenotification, for example, a data stream including the notification orincluding the notification image (e.g., notification image 1710 of FIG.17). The display apparatus or a control system therein may be configuredto receive the signal and store it in a memory.

The routine 1800 continues to block 1850, where the fan assembly isilluminated, for example, based on the received signal. In someembodiments, the received signal includes data indicative of thenotification image. The notification image may comprise image data thatmay be mapped to one or more light sources of the display apparatus(e.g., FIGS. 14-16). The fan assembly may then be illuminated based onthe mapped image data (e.g., as described in more detail in FIG. 14).

The routine 1800 continues to block 1860, where an image is displayed bythe fan assembly based on the received notification. For example, thefan assembly can be illuminated in block 1850 and driven based onsignals received from the control system (e.g., FIG. 14-16) to displayone or more images representative of the received signal (e.g.,notification image 1710).

In various embodiments, the routine 1800 may be performed by a hardwareprocessor (e.g., the hardware processor 112 of control system 110 ofFIG. 1) of a display apparatus 100 of FIG. 1. In other embodiments, aremote computing device (in network communication with the displayapparatus) with computer-executable instructions can cause the displayapparatus to perform aspects of the routine 1400.

Additional Aspects

In a 1st aspect, a fan assembly for displaying a representation of animage, the fan assembly comprising: a plurality of fan blades; a motorconfigured to rotate the plurality of fan blades to induce an airflow; aplurality of light sources disposed on at least one of the plurality offan blades; a non-transitory memory configured to store image data to bedisplayed by the fan assembly, the image data comprising one or moreviews of the image at a viewing direction; and a processor operablycoupled to the non-transitory memory, the motor, and the plurality oflight sources, the processor comprising executable instructions to:drive the motor to rotate the plurality of fan blades about a rotationaxis, the plurality of fan blades positioned at a rotation angle as afunction of time, access the image data, map the image data to each ofthe plurality of light sources based at least in part on the rotationangle, and illuminate the plurality of light sources based at least inpart on the mapped image data.

In a 2nd aspect, the fan assembly of aspect 1, wherein the image data isrepresentative of a light field image, the light field image configuredto provide a plurality of different views of the image at differentviewing directions.

In a 3rd aspect, the fan assembly of aspect 1 or 2, wherein theplurality of light sources comprise at least one of a light fieldsub-display, a liquid crystal, a light emitting diode (LED), an organicLED, or a laser.

In a 4th aspect, the fan assembly of any one of aspects 1-3, whereineach light source comprises: a micro-lens array comprising a pluralityof micro-lenses, and a pixel array comprising a plurality of pixelsubsets, each pixel subset associated with a respective micro-lens andconfigured to produce light, wherein each pixel subset and associatedmicro-lens are arranged to produce outgoing light at a plurality ofangles, wherein light from a first pixel of the pixel subset propagatesfrom the light field sub-display at an angle that is different from anangle of a second pixel of the pixel subset.

In a 5th aspect, the fan assembly of any one of aspects 1-4, wherein theplurality of light sources comprises a pixel array comprising aplurality of pixels, each pixel configured to produce light, whereineach pixel is arranged to produce outgoing light at an angle based on ashape of the at least one of the plurality of fan blades, wherein lightfrom a first pixel propagates from the at least one of the plurality offan blades at an angle that is different from an angle of a secondpixel.

In a 6th aspect, the fan assembly of any one of aspects 1-5, wherein theplurality of light sources are disposed radially from the rotation axis.

In a 7th aspect, the fan assembly of any one of aspects 1-6, wherein theplurality of light sources are disposed along the at least one of theplurality of fan blades.

In a 8th aspect, the fan assembly of any one of aspects 1-7, wherein theplurality of light sources are disposed in a two-dimensional array onthe at least one of the plurality of fan blades.

In a 9th aspect, the fan assembly of any one of aspects 1-8, wherein theplurality of light sources are disposed along at least one of a leadingedge, a following edge, or a radial edge of the at least one of theplurality of fan blades.

In a 10th aspect, the fan assembly of any one of aspects 1-9, whereineach light source has a corresponding radius based on its position fromthe rotation axis, and wherein to illuminate the plurality of lightsources the processor is programmed to scale an intensity or a durationof the illumination of a light source based on the corresponding radius.

In a 11th aspect, the fan assembly of aspect 10, wherein the scaling islinear with a radius of the light field sub-display.

In a 12th aspect, the fan assembly of any one of aspects 1-11, whereinthe plurality of fan blades, motor, and plurality of light sources arepart of a fan assembly. In another aspect, the fan assembly of any ofaspects 1-11, further comprising a housing, wherein the plurality of fanblades, motor, and plurality of light sources are disposed within thehousing.

In a 13th aspect, the fan assembly of aspect 1, wherein the fan assemblycomprises a housing having an opening centered at the rotation axis andan elongate member extending across the opening between the plurality offan blades and displayed image, the elongate member configured tocontrol transvers loading of the fan assembly based on the plurality oflight sources.

In a 14th aspect, the fan assembly of any one of aspects 1-12, whereinthe fan assembly comprises a housing including an opening exposing afirst subset of the plurality of fan blades; and a covered regioncovering a second subset of the plurality of fan blades, wherein theprocessor further comprises executable instructions to map the imagedata to light sources of the plurality of light sources corresponding tothe first subset of the plurality of fan blades.

In a 15th aspect, the fan assembly of aspect 14, wherein the image datais not mapped to a second subset of light sources of the plurality oflight sources corresponding to the second subset of the plurality of fanblades.

In a 16th aspect, the fan assembly of any one of aspects 1-15, whereinthe motor is configured to rotate the plurality of fan blades at arotation rate based at least in part on an image quality.

In a 17th aspect, the fan assembly of any one of aspects 1-16, furthercomprising a speaker system configured to project audio in combinationwith the processor programmed to illuminate the plurality of lightsources.

In a 18th aspect, the fan assembly of any one of aspects 1-17, furthercomprising a microphone configured to receive audio, and wherein theprocessor comprises executable instructions to: receive an audio inputfrom the microphone; recognize that the audio input comprises an audiocommand; and initiate an action to modify the illumination of theplurality of light sources based on the audio command.

In a 19th aspect, the fan assembly of any one of aspects 1-18, furthercomprising a proximity sensor configured to detect an entity within apredetermined distance of the fan assembly, and wherein the processorcomprises executable instructions to initiate an action based on theproximity sensor detecting the entity.

In a 20th aspect, the fan assembly of any one of aspects 1-19, furthercomprising a centrifugal fan assembly, the centrifugal fan assemblycomprising the plurality of fan blades and the motor.

In a 21st aspect, the fan assembly of aspect 20, wherein the centrifugalfan assembly comprises a housing having a translucent portion and anopaque portion.

In a 22nd aspect, a method for displaying a representation of an imageby a fan assembly, the method comprising: driving a motor to rotate aplurality of fan blades of the fan assembly, each of the plurality offan blades comprising a plurality of light sources about a rotationaxis, the plurality of fan blades positioned at a rotation angle as afunction of time; accessing image data to be displayed, the image datacomprising one or more views of the image at a viewing direction;mapping the image data to each of the plurality of light sources basedat least in part on the rotation angle; and illuminating the pluralityof light sources based at least in part on the mapped image data.

In a 23rd aspect, the method of aspect 22, wherein the plurality oflight sources comprise a plurality of light field sub-displays and theimage data comprises light field image data comprising a plurality ofrendered frames, each rendered frame representative of a different viewof the one or more views of the image, wherein each rendered framecomprises a plurality of rendered pixels that combine to render therendered frame, each rendered pixel having a position within therendered frame.

In a 24th aspect, the method of aspect 23, wherein mapping the imagedata, comprises associating the position of each rendered pixel with aposition of each light field sub-display on the plurality of fan blades,wherein the position of each light field sub-display is based on therotation angle as a function of time.

In a 25th aspect, the method of aspects 23 or 24, wherein the renderedpixel positions are unchanged between the plurality of rendered frames.

In a 26th aspect, the method of any one of aspects 23-25, whereinmapping the image data further comprises, for each light fieldsub-display, determining a color and intensity based on a rendered frameto be displayed and the association of the position of each renderedpixel with the position of each light field sub-display on the pluralityof fan blades.

In a 27th aspect, the method of any one of aspects 23-26, whereinilluminating the plurality of light field sub-displays comprises: for agiven rendered frame, illuminating each light field sub-display based onthe determined color and intensity, wherein the direction ofillumination is related to the viewing direction of the rendered frame,and strobing the illumination of each light field sub-display based onthe rotation of the plurality of fan blades, the plurality of renderedframes, and the association of the position of each rendered pixel withthe position of each light field sub-display on the plurality of fanblades.

In a 28th aspect, the method of any one of aspects 22-27, wherein theimage data comprise at least one rendered frame, the rendered framecomprising a plurality of rendered pixels that combine to render therendered frame, each rendered pixel having a position within therendered frame.

In a 29th aspect, the method of aspect 28, wherein mapping the imagedata to each of the plurality of light sources based at least in part onthe rotation angle, comprises associating the position of each renderedpixel with a position of each light source on the plurality fan blades,wherein the position of each light source is based on the rotation angleas a function of time.

In a 30th aspect, the method of aspect 29, wherein mapping the imagedata to each of the plurality of light sources further comprises, foreach light source, determining a color and intensity based on therendered frame and the association of the position of each renderedpixel with the position of each light source on the plurality of fanblades.

In a 31st aspect, the method of aspects 29 or 30, wherein illuminatingthe plurality of light sources comprises: for the rendered frame,illuminating each light source based on the determined color andintensity, wherein the direction of illumination is related to theviewing direction of the rendered frame, and strobing the illuminationof each light source based on the rotation of the plurality of fanblades, the plurality of rendered frames, and the association of theposition of each rendered pixel with the position of each light sourceon the plurality of fan blades.

In a 32nd aspect, a display apparatus for displaying a representation ofan image, the display apparatus comprising: a rotatable structure; amotor configured to rotate the rotatable structure; a plurality of lightsources positioned relative to the rotatable structure so as to directlight toward the rotatable structure; a non-transitory memory configuredto store image data to be displayed by the display apparatus, the imagedata comprising one or more views of the image at a viewing direction;and a processor operably coupled to the non-transitory memory, themotor, and the plurality of light sources, the processor comprisingexecutable instructions to: drive the motor to rotate the rotatablestructure about a rotation axis, the rotatable structure positioned at arotation angle as a function of time, access the image data, map theimage data to each of the plurality of light sources based at least inpart on the rotation angle, and illuminate the plurality of lightsources based at least in part on the mapped image data.

In a 33rd aspect, the apparatus of aspect 32, wherein the rotatablestructure comprises a fan assembly.

In a 34th aspect, the apparatus of aspect 33, wherein the rotatablestructure is included in at least one of a desk fan, a ceiling fan, ahousehold fan, a propeller on an aerial vehicle, an engine turbine, anelectric cooling fan, a computer fan, a cooling fan for an electronicdevice, or a centrifugal fan.

In a 35th aspect, the apparatus of any one of aspect 32-34, furthercomprising a display including the plurality of light sources, whereinthe plurality of light sources is arranged in a two-dimensional array.

In a 36th aspect, the apparatus of aspect 35, wherein the displaycomprises a spatial light modulator.

In a 37th aspect, the apparatus of any one of aspects 32-36, wherein atleast one of the plurality of light sources is configured to focus lightonto a portion of the rotatable structure.

In a 38th aspect, the apparatus of aspect 37, wherein the plurality oflight sources comprise at least one of a light field sub-display, alight emitting diode (LED), a liquid crystal, a light emitting diode(LED), an organic LED, or a laser.

In a 39th aspect, the apparatus of aspects 37 or 38, wherein therotatable structure comprises a plurality of elongated elementsconfigured to redirect the light focused thereon to display therepresentation.

In a 40th aspect, the apparatus of aspect 39, wherein each of theplurality of elongated elements comprises a fan blade having a shapeconfigured to induce an airflow and to redirect the light focusedthereon to display the representation.

In a 41st aspect, the apparatus of aspect 40, wherein the shape of thefan blade comprises a contoured surface varied along a radiallyextending length of the fan blade, wherein light emitted by a firstlight source of the plurality of light sources propagates a firstdistance to the contoured surface that is different than light emittedby a second light source of the plurality of light sources.

In a 42nd aspect, the apparatus of any one of aspects 32-41, wherein theplurality of light sources comprises a pixel array that comprises aplurality of pixels, each pixel configured to produce light directedtoward the rotatable structure, wherein a shape of the rotatablestructure is configured to redirect light from a first pixel at an anglethat is different from an angle of a second pixel.

In a 43rd aspect, the apparatus of any one of aspects 32-42, furthercomprising an assembly including the rotatable structure, a hub disposedalong the rotation axis, and a second plurality of light sourcesdisposed on at least one of the hub or the rotatable structure.

In a 44th aspect, the apparatus of aspect 43, wherein the secondplurality of light sources comprise the plurality of light sources ofaspects 1-30. In another aspect, the apparatus of aspect 32, furthercomprising a hub disposed at the rotation axis, wherein at least aportion of the plurality of light sources are positioned relative to therotatable structure so as to direct light onto the hub

In a 45th aspect, the apparatus of any one of aspects 32-44, whereineach light source has a position relative to the rotation axis, andwherein to illuminate the plurality of light sources the processor isprogrammed to scale intensity or a duration of the illumination of alight source based on the position from the rotation axis.

In a 46th aspect, the apparatus of any one of aspects 32-45, furthercomprising an assembly including the rotatable structure, a housinghaving an opening centered at the rotation axis between the rotatablestructure and the plurality of light sources, and an elongate memberextending across the opening between the rotatable structure and thedisplayed image, the elongate member configured to control transversloading of the assembly based in part of the rotation of the rotatablestructure and the illumination of the plurality of light sources.

In a 47th aspect, the apparatus of any one of aspects 32-46, furthercomprising a housing having an opening between the rotatable structureand the plurality of light sources, the opening exposing a first portionof the rotatable structure to light emitted by the plurality of lightsources, the housing further comprising a cover that covers a secondportion of the rotatable structure, wherein the processor furthercomprises executable instructions to map the image data to a firstsubset of light sources of the plurality of light sources correspondingto the first portion of the rotatable structure.

In a 48th aspect, the apparatus of aspect 47, wherein image data is notmapped to a second subset of light sources of the plurality of lightsources corresponding to the second portion of the rotatable structure.

In a 49th aspect, the apparatus of any one of aspects 32-48, wherein themotor is configured to rotate the rotatable structure at a rotation ratebased at least in part on an image quality.

In a 50th aspect, the apparatus of any one of aspects 32-49, furthercomprising a speaker system configured to project audio in combinationwith the processor programmed to illuminate the plurality of lightsources.

In a 51st aspect, the apparatus of any one of aspects 32-50, furthercomprising a microphone configured to receive audio, and wherein theprocessor comprises executable instructions to: receive an audio inputfrom the microphone; recognize that the audio input comprises an audiocommand; and initiate an action to modify the illumination of theplurality of light sources based on the audio command.

In a 52nd aspect, the apparatus of any one of aspects 32-51, furthercomprising a proximity sensor configured to detect an entity within apredetermined distance of the display apparatus, and wherein theprocessor is programmed with executable instructions to initiate anaction based on the proximity sensor detecting the entity.

In a 53rd aspect, the apparatus of any one of aspects 32-52, furthercomprising a centrifugal fan assembly, the centrifugal fan assemblycomprising the rotatable structure and the motor, wherein the rotatablestructure comprises one or more elongated elements, and wherein therotation axis is at an angle relative to the plurality of light sourcesand substantially parallel to the one or more elongated elements of therotatable structure.

In a 54th aspect, a method for displaying a representation of an image,the method comprising: driving a motor to rotate a rotatable structureabout a rotation axis, the rotatable structure positioned at a rotationangle as a function of time; accessing image data to be displayed by thedisplay apparatus, the image data comprising one or more views of theimage at a viewing direction; mapping the image data to each of aplurality of light sources based at least in part on the rotation angle,the plurality of light sources positioned relative to the rotatablestructure so as to direct light toward the rotatable structure; andilluminating the plurality of light sources based at least in part onthe mapped image data.

In a 55th aspect, the method of aspect 54, wherein the image datacomprise at least one rendered frame, the rendered frame comprising aplurality of rendered pixels that combine to render the rendered frame,each rendered pixel having a position within the rendered frame.

In a 56th aspect, the method of aspect 55, wherein mapping the imagedata to the plurality of light sources based at least in part on therotation angle, comprises associating the position of each renderedpixel with a position of each light source, and with a plurality ofpositions on the rotatable structure based on the rotation angle as afunction of time.

In a 57th aspect, the method of aspect 56, wherein mapping the lightfield image to each of the plurality of light sources further comprises,for each light source, determining a color and intensity based on therendered frame and the association.

In a 58th aspect, the method of any of aspects 54-57, whereinilluminating the plurality of light sources comprises: for the renderedframe, illuminating each light source based on a determined color andintensity, wherein the illumination is incident on the rotatablestructure and the redirection of the incident light is related to theviewing direction of the rendered frame, and strobing the illuminationof each light source based on the rotation of the rotatable structure,the rendered frame, and the association.

In a 59th aspect, a method for displaying an image, the methodcomprising: determining a notification of a state of a device;communicating a signal indicative of the notification to a controller;illuminating a fan assembly based on the signal; and displaying theimage using the fan assembly, wherein the image is indicative of thenotification.

In a 60th aspect, the method of aspect 59, wherein the notification isat least one of an operational state, a status of a battery configuredto provide electrical power to the device; a temperature state, acommunication connectivity state, notification of a received message; ane-mail; an instant message; an SMS message; or an alert indicative of afault in the device.

In a 61st aspect, the method of aspects 59 or 60, wherein the signalcomprises image data for displaying the image.

In a 62nd aspect, a fan assembly for displaying a representation of animage, the fan assembly comprising: a rotatable structure; a motorconfigured to rotate the rotatable structure; a plurality of lightsources disposed relative to the rotatable structure; a non-transitorymemory configured to store image data to be displayed by the fanassembly; and a processor operably coupled to the non-transitory memory,the motor, and the plurality of light sources, the processor comprisingexecutable instructions to implement the method of any of aspects 59-61.

In a 63rd aspect, the fan assembly of aspect 62, wherein the device isoperably connected to the fan assembly via at least one of a wired orwireless communication link.

In a 64th aspect, An augmented reality device comprising: a displaysystem positioned in front of the eyes of a user; a fan assemblycomprising a rotatable structure, a motor configured to rotate therotatable structure, and a plurality of light sources disposed relativeto the rotatable structure; a non-transitory memory configured to storeimage data; and a processor operably coupled to the non-transitorymemory, the display, and the fan assembly, the processor comprisingexecutable instructions to implement the method of any of aspects 59-61.

In a 65th aspect, the augmented reality device of aspect 64, wherein thedevice is the augmented reality device.

In a 66th aspect, the augmented reality device of aspects 64 or 65,wherein the device is operably connected to the fan assembly via atleast one of a wired or wireless communication link.

In a 67th aspect, the augmented reality device of any one of aspects64-66, further comprising a belt-pack, the belt-back comprising at leastone of the fan assembly, the non-transitory memory, the processor, or abattery.

In a 68th aspect, an augmented reality system comprising the fanassembly of any one of aspects 1-21 or 62-63 or comprising the displayapparatus of any one of aspects 32-53 or configured to perform any oneof the methods of aspects 22-31 or 54-61.

In a 69th aspect, the augmented reality system of aspect 68 comprising aprocessing device configured to be worn on a torso or appendage of auser, wherein the processing device comprises the fan assembly of anyone of aspects 1-21 or 62-63 or comprises the display apparatus of anyone of aspects 32-53 or is configured to perform any one of the methodsof aspects 22-31 or 54-61.

Additional Considerations

Each of the processes, methods, and algorithms described herein ordepicted in the attached figures may be embodied in, and fully orpartially automated by, code modules executed by one or more physicalcomputing systems, hardware computer processors, application-specificcircuitry, or electronic hardware configured to execute specific andparticular computer instructions. For example, computing systems caninclude general purpose computers (e.g., servers) programmed withspecific computer instructions or special purpose computers, specialpurpose circuitry, and so forth. A code module may be compiled andlinked into an executable program, installed in a dynamic link library,or may be written in an interpreted programming language. In someimplementations, particular operations and methods may be performed bycircuitry that is specific to a given function.

Further, certain implementations of the functionality of the presentdisclosure are sufficiently mathematically, computationally, ortechnically complex that application-specific hardware or one or morephysical computing devices (utilizing appropriate specialized executableinstructions) or specialized graphics processing units may be necessaryto perform the functionality, for example, due to the volume orcomplexity of the calculations involved or to provide the image displayresults substantially in real-time. For example, a video may includemany frames, with each frame having millions of pixels, and specificallyprogrammed computer hardware is necessary to process the video data toprovide a desired image processing task or application in a commerciallyreasonable amount of time.

Code modules or any type of data may be stored on any type ofnon-transitory computer-readable medium, such as physical computerstorage including hard drives, solid state memory, random access memory(RAM), read only memory (ROM), optical disc, volatile or non-volatilestorage, combinations of the same or the like. The methods and modules(or data) may also be transmitted as generated data signals (e.g., aspart of a carrier wave or other analog or digital propagated signal) ona variety of computer-readable transmission mediums, includingwireless-based and wired/cable-based mediums, and may take a variety offorms (e.g., as part of a single or multiplexed analog signal, or asmultiple discrete digital packets or frames). The results of thedisclosed processes or process steps may be stored, persistently orotherwise, in any type of non-transitory, tangible computer storage ormay be communicated via a computer-readable transmission medium.

Any processes, blocks, states, steps, or functionalities in flowdiagrams described herein or depicted in the attached figures should beunderstood as potentially representing code modules, segments, orportions of code which include one or more executable instructions forimplementing specific functions (e.g., logical or arithmetical) or stepsin the process. The various processes, blocks, states, steps, orfunctionalities can be combined, rearranged, added to, deleted from,modified, or otherwise changed from the illustrative examples providedherein. In some embodiments, additional or different computing systemsor code modules may perform some or all of the functionalities describedherein. The methods and processes described herein are also not limitedto any particular sequence, and the blocks, steps, or states relatingthereto can be performed in other sequences that are appropriate, forexample, in serial, in parallel, or in some other manner. Tasks orevents may be added to or removed from the disclosed exampleembodiments. Moreover, the separation of various system components inthe implementations described herein is for illustrative purposes andshould not be understood as requiring such separation in allimplementations. It should be understood that the described programcomponents, methods, and systems can generally be integrated together ina single computer product or packaged into multiple computer products.Many implementation variations are possible.

The processes, methods, and systems may be implemented in a network (ordistributed) computing environment. For example, the control system 110can be in communication with a network environment. Network environmentsinclude enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets, local areanetworks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), personal area networks (PAN),cloud computing networks, crowd-sourced computing networks, theInternet, and the World Wide Web. The network may be a wired or awireless network or any other type of communication network.

The systems and methods of the disclosure each have several innovativeaspects, no single one of which is solely responsible or required forthe desirable attributes disclosed herein. The various features andprocesses described above may be used independently of one another, ormay be combined in various ways. All possible combinations andsubcombinations are intended to fall within the scope of thisdisclosure. Various modifications to the implementations described inthis disclosure may be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, andthe generic principles defined herein may be applied to otherimplementations without departing from the spirit or scope of thisdisclosure. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to theimplementations shown herein, but are to be accorded the widest scopeconsistent with this disclosure, the principles and the novel featuresdisclosed herein.

Certain features that are described in this specification in the contextof separate implementations also can be implemented in combination in asingle implementation. Conversely, various features that are describedin the context of a single implementation also can be implemented inmultiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination.Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certaincombinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more featuresfrom a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from thecombination, and the claimed combination may be directed to asubcombination or variation of a subcombination. No single feature orgroup of features is necessary or indispensable to each and everyembodiment.

Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “could,”“might,” “may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically statedotherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, isgenerally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, whileother embodiments do not include, certain features, elements or steps.Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply thatfeatures, elements or steps are in any way required for one or moreembodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logicfor deciding, with or without author input or prompting, whether thesefeatures, elements or steps are included or are to be performed in anyparticular embodiment. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,”and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-endedfashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts,operations, and so forth. Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusivesense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example,to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all ofthe elements in the list. In addition, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the”as used in this application and the appended claims are to be construedto mean “one or more” or “at least one” unless specified otherwise.

As used herein, a phrase referring to “at least one of” a list of itemsrefers to any combination of those items, including single members. Asan example, “at least one of: A, B, or C” is intended to cover: A, B, C,A and B, A and C, B and C, and A, B, and C. Conjunctive language such asthe phrase “at least one of X, Y and Z,” unless specifically statedotherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in generalto convey that an item, term, etc. may be at least one of X, Y or Z.Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply thatcertain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y and atleast one of Z to each be present.

Similarly, while operations may be depicted in the drawings in aparticular order, it is to be recognized that such operations need notbe performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, orthat all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirableresults. Further, the drawings may schematically depict one more exampleprocesses in the form of a flowchart. However, other operations that arenot depicted can be incorporated in the example methods and processesthat are schematically illustrated. For example, one or more additionaloperations can be performed before, after, simultaneously, or betweenany of the illustrated operations. Additionally, the operations may berearranged or reordered in other implementations. In certaincircumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous.Moreover, the separation of various system components in theimplementations described above should not be understood as requiringsuch separation in all implementations, and it should be understood thatthe described program components and systems can generally be integratedtogether in a single software product or packaged into multiple softwareproducts. Additionally, other implementations are within the scope ofthe following claims. In some cases, the actions recited in the claimscan be performed in a different order and still achieve desirableresults.

What is claimed is:
 1. A fan assembly for displaying a representation ofan image, the fan assembly comprising: a plurality of fan blades; amotor configured to rotate the plurality of fan blades to induce anairflow; a plurality of light sources disposed on at least one of theplurality of fan blades; a non-transitory memory configured to storeimage data to be displayed by the fan assembly, the image datacomprising one or more views of the image at a viewing direction; and aprocessor operably coupled to the non-transitory memory, the motor, andthe plurality of light sources, the processor comprising executableinstructions to: drive the motor to rotate the plurality of fan bladesabout a rotation axis, the plurality of fan blades positioned at arotation angle as a function of time, access the image data, map theimage data to each of the plurality of light sources based at least inpart on the rotation angle, and illuminate the plurality of lightsources based at least in part on the mapped image data.
 2. The fanassembly of claim 1, wherein the image data is representative of a lightfield image, the light field image configured to provide a plurality ofdifferent views of the image at different viewing directions.
 3. The fanassembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of light sources comprise atleast one of a light field sub-display, a liquid crystal, a lightemitting diode (LED), an organic LED, or a laser.
 4. The fan assembly ofclaim 1, wherein each light source comprises: a micro-lens arraycomprising a plurality of micro-lenses, and a pixel array comprising aplurality of pixel subsets, each pixel subset associated with arespective micro-lens and configured to produce light, wherein eachpixel subset and associated micro-lens are arranged to produce outgoinglight at a plurality of angles, wherein light from a first pixel of thepixel subset propagates from the light field sub-display at an anglethat is different from an angle of a second pixel of the pixel subset.5. The fan assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of light sourcescomprises a pixel array comprising a plurality of pixels, each pixelconfigured to produce light, wherein each pixel is arranged to produceoutgoing light at an angle based on a shape of the at least one of theplurality of fan blades, wherein light from a first pixel propagatesfrom the at least one of the plurality of fan blades at an angle that isdifferent from an angle of a second pixel.
 6. The fan assembly of claim1, wherein the plurality of light sources are disposed radially from therotation axis.
 7. The fan assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality oflight sources are disposed along the at least one of the plurality offan blades.
 8. The fan assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality oflight sources are disposed in a two-dimensional array on the at leastone of the plurality of fan blades.
 9. The fan assembly of claim 1,wherein the plurality of light sources are disposed along at least oneof a leading edge, a following edge, or a radial edge of the at leastone of the plurality of fan blades.
 10. The fan assembly of claim 1,wherein each light source has a corresponding radius based on itsposition from the rotation axis, and wherein to illuminate the pluralityof light sources the processor is programmed to scale an intensity or aduration of the illumination of a light source based on thecorresponding radius.
 11. The fan assembly of claim 10, wherein thescaling is linear with a radius of the light field sub-display.
 12. Thefan assembly of claim 1, further comprising a housing, wherein theplurality of fan blades, motor, and plurality of light sources aredisposed within the housing.
 13. The fan assembly of claim 1, whereinthe fan assembly comprises a housing having an opening centered at therotation axis and an elongate member extending across the openingbetween the plurality of fan blades and displayed image, the elongatemember configured to control transverse loading of the fan assemblybased on the plurality of light sources.
 14. The fan assembly of claim1, wherein the fan assembly comprises: a housing including an openingexposing a first subset of the plurality of fan blades; and a coveredregion covering a second subset of the plurality of fan blades, whereinthe processor further comprises executable instructions to map the imagedata to light sources of the plurality of light sources corresponding tothe first subset of the plurality of fan blades.
 15. The fan assembly ofclaim 14, wherein the image data is not mapped to a light sources of theplurality of light sources corresponding to the second subset of theplurality of fan blades.
 16. The fan assembly of claim 1, wherein themotor is configured to rotate the plurality of fan blades at a rotationrate based at least in part on an image quality.
 17. The fan assembly ofclaim 1, further comprising a speaker system configured to project audioin combination with the processor programmed to illuminate the pluralityof light sources.
 18. The fan assembly of claim 1, further comprising amicrophone configured to receive audio, and wherein the processorcomprises executable instructions to: receive an audio input from themicrophone; recognize that the audio input comprises an audio command;and initiate an action to modify the illumination of the plurality oflight sources based on the audio command.
 19. The fan assembly of claim1, further comprising a proximity sensor configured to detect an entitywithin a predetermined distance of the fan assembly, and wherein theprocessor comprises executable instructions to initiate an action basedon the proximity sensor detecting the entity.
 20. The fan assembly ofclaim 1, further comprising a centrifugal fan assembly, the centrifugalfan assembly comprising the plurality of fan blades and the motor. 21.The fan assembly of claim 20, wherein the centrifugal fan assemblycomprises a housing having a translucent portion and an opaque portion,wherein the plurality of light sources are visible through thetranslucent portion.
 22. A method for displaying a representation of animage by a fan assembly, the method comprising: driving a motor torotate a plurality of fan blades of the fan assembly, each of theplurality of fan blades comprising a plurality of light sources about arotation axis, the plurality of fan blades positioned at a rotationangle as a function of time; accessing image data to be displayed, theimage data comprising one or more views of the image at a viewingdirection; mapping the image data to each of the plurality of lightsources based at least in part on the rotation angle; and illuminatingthe plurality of light sources based at least in part on the mappedimage data.
 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the plurality of lightsources comprise a plurality of light field sub-displays and the imagedata comprises light field image data comprising a plurality of renderedframes, each rendered frame representative of a different view of theone or more views of the image, wherein each rendered frame comprises aplurality of rendered pixels that combine to render the rendered frame,each rendered pixel having a position within the rendered frame.
 24. Themethod of claim 23, wherein mapping the image data, comprisesassociating the position of each rendered pixel with a position of eachlight field sub-display on the plurality of fan blades, wherein theposition of each light field sub-display is based on the rotation angleas a function of time.
 25. The method of claim 23, wherein the renderedpixel positions are unchanged between the plurality of rendered frames.26. The method of claim 23, wherein mapping the image data furthercomprises, for each light field sub-display, determining a color andintensity based on a rendered frame to be displayed and the associationof the position of each rendered pixel with the position of each lightfield sub-display on the plurality of fan blades.
 27. The method ofclaim 23, wherein illuminating the plurality of light field sub-displayscomprises: for a given rendered frame, illuminating each light fieldsub-display based on the determined color and intensity, wherein thedirection of illumination is related to the viewing direction of therendered frame, and strobing the illumination of each light fieldsub-display based on the rotation of the plurality of fan blades, theplurality of rendered frames, and the association of the position ofeach rendered pixel with the position of each light field sub-display onthe plurality of fan blades.
 28. The method of claim 22, wherein theimage data comprise at least one rendered frame, the rendered framecomprising a plurality of rendered pixels that combine to render therendered frame, each rendered pixel having a position within therendered frame.
 29. The method of claim 28, wherein mapping the imagedata to each of the plurality of light sources based at least in part onthe rotation angle, comprises associating the position of each renderedpixel with a position of each light source on the plurality fan blades,wherein the position of each light source is based on the rotation angleas a function of time.
 30. The method of claim 29, wherein mapping theimage data to each of the plurality of light sources further comprises,for each light source, determining a color and intensity based on therendered frame and the association of the position of each renderedpixel with the position of each light source on the plurality of fanblades.
 31. The method of claim 29, wherein illuminating the pluralityof light sources comprises: for the rendered frame, illuminating eachlight source based on the determined color and intensity, wherein thedirection of illumination is related to the viewing direction of therendered frame, and strobing the illumination of each light source basedon the rotation of the plurality of fan blades, the plurality ofrendered frames, and the association of the position of each renderedpixel with the position of each light source on the plurality of fanblades.
 32. A display apparatus for displaying a representation of animage, the display apparatus comprising: a rotatable structure; a motorconfigured to rotate the rotatable structure; a plurality of lightsources positioned relative to the rotatable structure so as to directlight toward the rotatable structure; a non-transitory memory configuredto store image data to be displayed by the display apparatus, the imagedata comprising one or more views of the image at a viewing direction;and a processor operably coupled to the non-transitory memory, themotor, and the plurality of light sources, the processor comprisingexecutable instructions to: drive the motor to rotate the rotatablestructure about a rotation axis, the rotatable structure positioned at arotation angle as a function of time, access the image data, map theimage data to each of the plurality of light sources based at least inpart on the rotation angle, and illuminate the plurality of lightsources based at least in part on the mapped image data.
 33. Theapparatus of claim 32, wherein the rotatable structure comprises a fanassembly.
 34. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein the rotatable structureis included in at least one of a desk fan, a ceiling fan, a householdfan, a propeller on an aerial vehicle, an engine turbine, an electriccooling fan, a computer fan, a cooling fan for an electronic device, ora centrifugal fan.
 35. The apparatus of claim 32, further comprising adisplay including the plurality of light sources, wherein the pluralityof light sources is arranged in a two-dimensional array.
 36. Theapparatus of claim 35, wherein the display comprises a spatial lightmodulator.
 37. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein at least one of theplurality of light sources is configured to focus light onto a portionof the rotatable structure.
 38. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein theplurality of light sources comprise at least one of a light fieldsub-display, a light emitting diode (LED), a liquid crystal, a lightemitting diode (LED), an organic LED, or a laser.
 39. The apparatus ofclaim 37, wherein the rotatable structure comprises a plurality ofelongated elements configured to redirect the light focused thereon todisplay the representation.
 40. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein eachof the plurality of elongated elements comprises a fan blade having ashape configured to induce an airflow and to redirect the light focusedthereon to display the representation.
 41. The apparatus of claim 40,wherein the shape of the fan blade comprises a contoured surface variedalong a radially extending length of the fan blade, wherein lightemitted by a first light source of the plurality of light sourcespropagates a first distance to the contoured surface that is differentthan light emitted by a second light source of the plurality of lightsources.
 42. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein the plurality of lightsources comprises a pixel array that comprises a plurality of pixels,each pixel configured to produce light directed toward the rotatablestructure, wherein a shape of the rotatable structure is configured toredirect light from a first pixel at an angle that is different from anangle of a second pixel.
 43. The apparatus of claim 32, furthercomprising an assembly including the rotatable structure, a hub disposedalong the rotation axis, and a second plurality of light sourcesdisposed on at least one of the hub or the rotatable structure.
 44. Theapparatus of claim 32, further comprising a hub disposed at the rotationaxis, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of light sources arepositioned relative to the rotatable structure so as to direct lightonto the hub.
 45. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein each light sourcehas a position relative to the rotation axis, and wherein to illuminatethe plurality of light sources the processor is programmed to scaleintensity or a duration of the illumination of a light source based onthe position from the rotation axis.
 46. The apparatus of claim 32,further comprising an assembly including the rotatable structure, ahousing having an opening centered at the rotation axis between therotatable structure and the plurality of light sources, and an elongatemember extending across the opening between the rotatable structure andthe displayed image, the elongate member configured to control transversloading of the assembly based in part on the rotation of the rotatablestructure and the illumination of the plurality of light sources. 47.The apparatus of claim 32, further comprising: a housing having anopening between the rotatable structure and the plurality of lightsources, the opening exposing a first portion of the rotatable structureto light emitted by the plurality of light sources, the housing furthercomprising a cover that covers a second portion of the rotatablestructure, wherein the processor further comprises executableinstructions to map the image data to a first subset of light sources ofthe plurality of light sources corresponding to the first portion of therotatable structure.
 48. The apparatus of claim 47, wherein image datais not mapped to a second subset of light sources of the plurality oflight sources corresponding to the second portion of the rotatablestructure.
 49. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein the motor isconfigured to rotate the rotatable structure at a rotation rate based atleast in part on an image quality.
 50. The apparatus of claim 32,further comprising a speaker system configured to project audio incombination with the processor programmed to illuminate the plurality oflight sources.
 51. The apparatus of claim 32, further comprising amicrophone configured to receive audio, and wherein the processorcomprises executable instructions to: receive an audio input from themicrophone; recognize that the audio input comprises an audio command;and initiate an action to modify the illumination of the plurality oflight sources based on the audio command.
 52. The apparatus of claim 32,further comprising a proximity sensor configured to detect an entitywithin a predetermined distance of the display apparatus, and whereinthe processor comprises executable instructions to initiate an actionbased on the proximity sensor detecting the entity.
 53. The apparatus ofclaim 32, further comprising a centrifugal fan assembly, the centrifugalfan assembly comprising the rotatable structure and the motor, whereinthe rotatable structure comprises one or more elongated elements, andwherein the rotation axis is at an angle relative to the plurality oflight sources and substantially parallel to the one or more elongatedelements of the rotatable structure.
 54. A method for displaying arepresentation of an image, the method comprising: driving a motor torotate a rotatable structure about a rotation axis, the rotatablestructure positioned at a rotation angle as a function of time;accessing image data to be displayed by the display apparatus, the imagedata comprising one or more views of the image at a viewing direction;mapping the image data to each of a plurality of light sources based atleast in part on the rotation angle, the plurality of light sourcespositioned relative to the rotatable structure so as to direct lighttoward the rotatable structure; and illuminating the plurality of lightsources based at least in part on the mapped image data.
 55. The methodof claim 54, wherein the image data comprise at least one renderedframe, the rendered frame comprising a plurality of rendered pixels thatcombine to render the rendered frame, each rendered pixel having aposition within the rendered frame.
 56. The method of claim 55, whereinmapping the image data to the plurality of light sources based at leastin part on the rotation angle, comprises associating the position ofeach rendered pixel with a position of each light source, and with aplurality of positions on the rotatable structure based on the rotationangle as a function of time.
 57. The method of claim 56, wherein mappingthe light field image to each of the plurality of light sources furthercomprises, for each light source, determining a color and intensitybased on the rendered frame and the association.
 58. The method of claim54, wherein illuminating the plurality of light sources comprises: for arendered frame, illuminating each light source based on the determinedcolor and intensity, wherein the illumination is incident on therotatable structure and the redirection of the incident light is relatedto the viewing direction of the rendered frame, and strobing theillumination of each light source based on the rotation of the rotatablestructure, the rendered frame, and the association.
 59. A method fordisplaying an image, the method comprising: determining a notificationof a state of a device; communicating a signal indicative of thenotification to a controller; illuminating a fan assembly based on thesignal; and displaying the image using the fan assembly, wherein theimage is indicative of the notification.
 60. The method of claim 59,wherein the notification is at least one of an operational state, astatus of a battery configured to provide electrical power to thedevice; a temperature state, a communication connectivity state,notification of a received message; an e-mail; an instant message; anSMS message; or an alert indicative of a fault in the device.
 61. Themethod of claim 59, wherein the signal comprises image data fordisplaying the image.
 62. A fan assembly for displaying a representationof an image, the fan assembly comprising: a rotatable structure; a motorconfigured to rotate the rotatable structure; a plurality of lightsources disposed relative to the rotatable structure; a non-transitorymemory configured to store image data to be displayed by the fanassembly; and a processor operably coupled to the non-transitory memory,the motor, and the plurality of light sources, the processor comprisingexecutable instructions to: determine a notification of a state of adevice; illuminate the fan assembly; and display the image using the fanassembly, wherein the image is indicative of the notification.
 63. Thefan assembly of claim 62, wherein the device is operably connected tothe fan assembly via at least one of a wired or wireless communicationlink.
 64. An augmented reality device comprising: a display systempositioned in front of the eyes of a user; a fan assembly comprising arotatable structure, a motor configured to rotate the rotatablestructure, and a plurality of light sources disposed relative to therotatable structure; a non-transitory memory configured to store imagedata; and a processor operably coupled to the non-transitory memory, thedisplay, and the fan assembly, the processor comprising executableinstructions to: determine a notification of a state of a device;illuminate the fan assembly; and display the image using the fanassembly, wherein the image is indicative of the notification.
 65. Theaugmented reality device of claim 64, wherein the device is theaugmented reality device.
 66. The augmented reality device of claim 64,wherein the device is operably connected to the fan assembly via atleast one of a wired or wireless communication link.
 67. The augmentedreality device of claim 64, further comprising a belt-pack, thebelt-back comprising at least one of the fan assembly, thenon-transitory memory, the processor, or a battery.